m LIBRARY OF Dr.RoLcrtM.Roljcrts C-|^V X fc, ( THE LIFE ^ OF JOHK WARREN, M.D., SURGEON-GENERAL DURING THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION; FIRST PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND SURGERY IN HARVARD COLLEGE; PRESIDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY, ETC. EDWARD WARREN, M. D., AUTHOR OF THE "LIFE OF DR. JOHN C. WARREN." "JEternitati pinyo." Page 37. BOSTON: NOTES, HOLMES, AND COMPANY, 1874. - us Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by EDWARD WARREN, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: FEINTED BY H. 0. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. To MY VERY DEAR AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED FRIEND, REV. ANDREW P. PEABODY, D. D. l)is ittemoir OF ONE WHO WAS, LIKE HIMSELF, " NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS, FERVENT IN SPIRIT, SERVING THE LORD," IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. INTRODUCTION. following Memoir was commenced over thirteen years ago, and was suspended and laid by on the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, the intense interests which arose at that time taking the place of all other subjects. It is remarkable that the active life of Dr. John Warren began with the breaking out of the Revo- lutionary War. It was intimately connected with that war, and the public events succeeding it, to the War of 1812 ; and his activity and his life ter- minated together on the celebration of the Peace of 1815. It was not a long life, but it was crowded with events. His biography is, or ought to be, a sketch of the political history, as well as the man- ners of his time ; while, taken in connection with the life of his son, John C. Warren, published in 1860, it should form a complete history of the rise and progress of medical institutions in Massachu- setts, and of the practice of medicine and surgery in this place, for a period of nearly one hundred years. A large portion of the Memoir was written with vi INTRODUCTION. the intention of printing it only for private dis- tribution, which must account for its being written with more freedom, and perhaps for the introduc- tion of some particulars which otherwise should not have met the public eye. But biography becomes more interesting and more instructive the more it can get into the de- tails of private life, and gives relations of facts and peculiarities which sometimes their subject would willingly have concealed. After the publication, some years since, of a very excellent and well written biography, some writer took pains to inform the public how many times the words "my father" were introduced in the volume. If I have used it as frequently, I offer no other apology than that now given. I think it requires none. Dr. Warren had not leisure for any literary work of length. The circumstances of his time were not favorable to literature. I have given full quota- tions from his " Mercurial Practice in Febrile Dis- eases," because they afford almost a perfect history of the diseases of his time. In regard to treatment, it is perhaps only valuable as history ; but there are not much greater changes in the management of diseases than there are in the diseases them- selves, and even in the constitutions of those who are the subjects of them. There are " currents and INTRODUCTION. Vll counter-currents " in medicine, and perhaps old methods may again have their day. " The work alluded to," says one of his biogra- phers, 1 " is perhaps the most concise and extended examination into the influence which this powerful remedy has upon many of those diseases with which we have most frequently to deal, and is a resume of the knowledge and experience of the period." Mercury is so powerful a medicine that it will always be resorted to, in some of its various forms, secretly or openly, in despite of all arguments or prejudices against its use. Whatever, therefore, throws light upon its modus operandi, is of value. I have republished his Masonic Charge in the ap- pendix, because it is an example of his manner of addressing a mixed audience of ladies and gentle- men, and as it gives his views of an institution, which for a time submerged in a weight of obloquy, seems now to be rising once more into eminence. That both he and his brother, General Joseph Warren, were Grand Masters, seems to render the republication the more fitting. His Fourth of July Oration, the first ever delivered, is also given ; for it may be curious to compare one delivered in 1783 with one of recent date. The warnings and admonitions are at least as applicable now as they were at the former period. 1 Dr. Buckminster Brown. Gross's American Medical Biography. Vlll INTRODUCTION. " The personal appearance of Dr. Warren was most prepossessing. He was of about middling stature, and well formed ; his deportment was agreeable, his manners, formed in a military school, and polished by intercourse with the officers of the French army, were those of an accomplished gen- tleman. An elevated forehead, black eyes, aquiline nose, and hair turned off from his forehead, gave him an air of dignity which becomes a person of his profession and character." l In conclusion, while some medical details were necessary to the subject, I hope they will not be found sufficient to deter the general reader, or to render the work uninteresting to those who do not care for medical details. 1 Thacher's Medical Biography. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. 1753-1763. BIRTH AND PARENTAGE. Birth. His Father, Joseph Warren : killed by a Fall from an Apple-tree, in 1 755. His Mother, Mrs. Mary Warren. Her Letter. Children of General Warren undergoing the Small- pox. Brothers Samuel, Joseph, and Ebenezer . . 1 CHAPTER II. 1763-1774. EDUCATION. Education at the Roxbury Grammar School. Rev. Samuel Elliot. Enters College. Classmates. Acquires a strong Love for the Study of Anatomy. Medical Education . 11 CHAPTER IH. 1774-1775. TEA THROWN OVERBOARD. John Warren's Medical Qualifications. General Warren's Medical Practice; His Success in Treatment of Small-pox. Partnership in a Small-pox Hospital with an English Sur- geon. His whereabouts on the Night and Morning of June 16, 17. Dr. Norwood's Letter. Mr. Eustis' Letter. Tea thrown Overboard. Dr. Tyler's Letters. John Warren's Letter to Joseph. Fear of incurring Debt. Joseph's An- swer 20 CHAPTER IV. 1775. BATTLES OF LEXINGTON AND BUNKER HILL. The Three Brothers at Lexington. Narrow Escape of Joseph. John Warren Surgeon of Colonel Pickering's Regiment. Journal. His Brother Missing. His Search and Inquiries. Wounded in endeavoring to pass a Sentinel. Confused Reports of the Battle. Some Days before General Warren's Death is ascertained. Journal. Indignation against the British Ministry. Appointed Hospital Surgeon. Arrival X CONTENTS. of Washington at Camp. Dr. Church. Letter to Miss Grafton. Letter to John Hancock. Extracts from Jour- nal 43 CHAPTER V. JOURNAL. JANUARY, 1776. Journal continued. Visit to Salem. Miss Grafton's Note. Strict Medical Examinations. Dr. Hayward's Letter. Dr. Morgan's Letter about Purchases. Miss Grafton's Letter. Journal continued. John Warren's Deposition about Pois- oned Medicine. Feelings at Sight of the Battle-ground. Journal resumed and ended. Washington detaches a Regi- ment to New York. John Warren sets out for New York, May 11. Dysentery among the Troops at New York. Plot formed by the Tories. Miss Grafton's Letter . . 64 CHAPTER VI. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Declaration of Independence. Small-pox. General Inocula- tion. Inoculation of General Warren's Children. Eben Warren's Letter. Mrs. Eben Warren's do. Arnold, a Friend of General Warren and his Children. Miss Scollay. Provision for the Children. Samuel Adams. Mrs. Mercy Warren. Letter from Mr. Grafton . . . .83 CHAPTER VII. 1776-1777. PROGRESS OF THE WAR. MEDICAL OFFICERS. Letter from Dr. Morgan. Letter from Major Giles. Orders from Dr. Morgan. Samuel Glover's Letter. Dissatisfac- tion with Dr. Morgan. Dr. Craigie's Letter. Mr. Lovell's Letter. Prevailing Dissatisfaction with Washington's Fabian Policy. Letter from Dr. Craigie. Letter from Dr. Morgan on Applications for Leave to attend Lectures. Letter from Dr. Eustis. Retreat of the Army through New Jersey. Garnall's Letter from New Brunswick. Dr. Warren applies for Office of Sub-director. General Lee's Discontent. His Capture . . . 109 CHAPTER VIII. 1777. WASHINGTON DICTATOR. Retreat to New Brunswick. Cornelius Baldwin's Letter. Dr. CONTENTS. XI Warren at Hanover. Dr. Foster's Letter. General Hospi- tal removed to Bethlehem. Removal of Dr. Morgan. Honorable Acquittal from all Charges. General Greene's Recommendation of Dr. Warren for Sub-directorship. Dr. Morgan's Order. Dr. Cochran. Washington Dictator. o o Bold Movement of Washington. Narrow Escape of the Surgeons, who were not warned. Letter to General Wash- ington. Washington's Answer. Doctors, Morgan and Ship- pen. Answer to Charge against Dr. Morgan. Queer Letter by Dr. Eustis. Dr. Warren. Misses Searles . . .133 CHAPTER IX. 1777. EVENTS OF THE WAR. Washington and Howe facing each other. Ticonderoga men- aced. Letter from T. J. Games. Engagement, June 24. Dissensions at Ticonderoga. Gates and Schuyler. Capture of Mt. Defiance. Letter from Major Giles. General St. Clair. Miss A y Col ns. Letter from Dr. Samuel Adams. Death of Dr. Adams, January, 1778. Colonel Mifflin's Family. Mrs. Mifflin. Miss Collins. Surrender of Burgoyne, October 17 152 CHAPTER X. 1777-1778. MARRIAGE. Marriage, November 4. Residence Corner of Avon Place. Res Angustae Domi. Dr. Cutting's Letter from Bethlehem. Dr. Craigie's Letter. Hospital for Small-pox. Partner- ship for Inoculation. Articles of Agreement. Valley Forge. Cupidity of Army Contractors. Gates' Discon- tent at Washington's Caution. Alliance with France. Arrival of French Fleet. Encounter with Keppell. Dis- appointment. General Greene. Lafayette. Dr. Warren goes with the Volunteers. French Fleet dispersed by a Storm. Birth of J. C. Warren, August 1, 1778. Dr. War- ren's Letters from Rhode Island. Letter from Mrs. Collins. Letter from Dr. Eustis. Dr. Shippen. Dr. Warren re- turns to Boston. Foreigners. Latin. Major Baury. A Sleigh-ride .168 CHAPTER XL 1778-1780. Deplorable State of Finances. Prices. Destitution at the Hospital. Letter to Samuel Adams. Loss of a Daughter xii CONTENTS. born in July. Threatening Petition to Congress. Dr. Townsend's Letter. Reply to Petitions. Petition to Mas- sachusetts Legislature. Letter to T. Pickering. Sermon to the Soldiers. Communication for the Press. Dark Day. Convention for a State Constitution 193 CHAPTER Xn. 1780. TREASON OF ARNOLD. Dr. Eustis' Letter. Secret Expedition. Colonel Nevcrs' Let- ter. Boston Medical Society. Dr. Rand, Dr. Danforth, Dr. Kast, and Dr. Warren. Dr. Bulfinch. Scrabble for Levi ' Ames' Body. Resuscitation of a Convict. Violation of the Grave. Washington's Order 218 CHAPTER XIII. 1780-1781. AMERICAN ACADEMY. Dr. Warren chosen a Member. His Paper. Dr. Warren re- quested to Lecture. Lectures at the Hospital. Amputation at the Shoulder-joint. Massachusetts Medical Society incor- porated. Surrender of Cornwallis. Plan fora Medical In- stitution. Correspondence on this Subject. Elected Pro- fessor of Anatomy. Dr. Dexter, Dr. Warren, Dr. Water- house. Thomas Lee Shippen. Massachusetts Medical So- ciety 239 CHAPTER XIV. 1782. FREEMASONRY. DR. WARREN GRAND MASTER. Freemasons. Dr. Warren Grand Master. Charge. Treaty of Peace. Society of Cincinnati. Samuel Adams' Opinion 261 i CHAPTER XV. 1782-1783. SHAYS' REBELLION. Peace, Troubles, Lawsuits. Pure Democracy. Extract from Dr. J. C. Warren's Speech. Riots at Northampton. Eli Shays. Fourth of July Oration, 1 783. English Feeling . 270 CHAPTER XVI. 1783-1784. PROGRESS OF THE MEDICAL INSTITUTION. Medical Institution. Lectures. Difficulties with the Medical Society. Application to admit Students to the Alms house. Remonstrances of the Society. " Extraordinary Resolu- tions." John Warren's Memorial to the Legislature . 284 CONTENTS. Xlll CHAPTER XVII. 1784-1785. ADDRESS ON RESIGNATION OP HANCOCK. Difficulties between the Medical College and the Medical Soci- ety. Hancock's Resignation. Election of Governor . 297 CHAPTER XVIII. 1785-1789. DOMESTIC LIFE. Domestic Life. House, Carriages, Furniture. Drying Speci- mens in the Windows. Warren Museum. Supposed Dan- gerous Well. Louis the Barber. Mountain his Successor. Slavery. Cuff and Quaco. Negro Melodies . . 303 CHAPTER XIX. 1787-1789. CONVENTION FOE RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION. Convention for Ratifying the United States Constitution. Communication to the Press. Mr. Hancock's Billet. Samuel Adams, Governor. Washington's Visit to Boston . 325 CHAPTER XX. 1789-1793. FRENCH REVOLUTION. METALLIC TRACTORS. Destruction of the Bastile. Massacre of September. Re- publican Extremes. Proclamation of Neutrality. Oppo- sition to Washington. Recall of Genet, the French Min- ister. Metallic Tractors. Is Honesty the best Policy? Cures by the Tractors. Death of Dr. Perkins. Small-pox . 336 CHAPTER XXI. 1793-1794. YELLOW FEVER IN PHILADELPHIA. Dr. Warren's Letter. to the Medical Fraternity. Speech on Retaliatory Resolutions . . . . . . . .351 CHAPTER XXII. 1794-1798. DEBATES ON JAY'S TREATY. Complaints against England. Speech on Jay's Treaty. Eulogy on Thomas Russell . . . . . . .364 CHAPTER XXIII. 1798-1799. AFFAIRS WITH FRANCE. Reception of the Treaty. Exorbitant Demands. Resistance. XIV CONTENTS. Address to the President. Communication to the Press. Washington called to the Command. Naval Victory. Interest in Public Affairs. Death of Washington. Uni- versal Regret. Lull of Party Feeling . . . .380 CHAPTER XXIV. 1798-1802. YELLOW FEVER AGAIN IN PHILADELPHIA. Mill tary Preparations checked. Letter on the Fever in Bos- ton. Vaccination 392 CHAPTER XXV. 1799-1802. DOMESTIC AFFAIRS. New Session of Congress. Troubles always Gregarious. Do- mestic Affairs. Farm at Jamaica Plain. Mineral Spring in Boston. Monsieur Feron's Letter. Yellow Fever in 1802 407 CHAPTER XXVI. 1802-1812. RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND AND FRANCE. Burr's Duel with Hamilton. Burr's Conspiracy. Total Eclipse in 1806. Austin and Selfridge. Speech against the Embargo. Repeal of the Embargo Act. Elbridge Gerry, Governor. Gerrymander. Election of Caleb Strong. Adjunct Professors in the Medical School. Medical Lec- tures in Boston 422 CHAPTER XXVII. 1810-1812. RELIGIOUS VIEWS. Death of Rev. J. S. Buckminster. Bishop Cheverus. In- stance of Impulsiveness. Almost a Duel. A Medical In- cident. A Romance. Spontaneous Generation. Perpet- ual Motion 440 CHAPTER XXVIII. 1812. WAR WITH ENGLAND. Affairs of John Henry. Declaration of War. Hull's Ex- pedition. Hull's Surrender. Baltimore Mob. Chesa- peake and Shannon. Capture of the Guerriere by Captain Hull . 460 CONTENTS. XV CHAPTER XXIX. 1813. TREATISE ON MERCURIAL PRACTICE. Diseases of New England. Angina Maligna, Diphtheria. Small-pox. Measles. Throat Distemper. Consumption. Dysentery. Spotted Fever. Spinal Meningitis . .473 CHAPTER XXX. 1813-1814. EVENTS OF THE WAR CONTINUED. Holocaust of Horses. Abdication of Napoleon. Veteran Troops sent to America. Arrival of the British Fleet. March toward the Capital. Battle of Bladensburg. Cap- ture of Washington 490 ' CHAPTER XXXI. THREATENED INVASION OF BOSTON. Preparations for Defence. Boston Streets deserted. Fears of Invasion. Letter from, Mrs. Warren. Alarm at Ports- mouth. Terms of Peace. Hartford Convention. Peace. Rejoicings in Boston. Illuminations. Attendance on Governor Brooks. Summoned to his Brother at Foxbor- ough. Last Illness. Funeral. Character. Conclusion . 497 APPENDIX. A Charge delivered on the Festival of St. John the Baptist, 1782 . . 521 An Oration, delivered July 4, 1 783 530 NOTES . 554 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. CHAPTER I. 1753-1763. BIRTH AND PARENTAGE. Birth. His Father, Joseph Warren : killed by a Fall from an Apple- tree, in 1 755. His Mother, Mrs. Mary Warren. Her Letter. Children of General Warren undergoing the Small-pox. Broth- ers Samuel, Joseph, and Ebenezer. . JOHN WARREN was born on the twenty- seventh of July, 1753. His father, Joseph Warren, was a farmer in Rox- bury, in easy circumstances, such as were at the time considered opulent. He was a man of excel- lent character, highly respected as honest, upright, and faithful, and a serious and exemplary Chris- tian. Whatever may have been his early advantages of education, which were probably not great, he had acquired an extensive knowledge of history, and an intimate knowledge of human nature. The sincere piety of both himself and his wife were liberalized by research and refined culture. Their principles were Calvinistic, and in the strong hatred of oppression which Joseph Warren 2 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [1753. manifested and inculcated in his children, we rec- ognize the descendant of the Pilgrims. He studied the Scriptures with great zeal, and impressed upon his children a deep love and veneration for the Bible. Second only to this was a love of country. It was not difficult, even then, for the quiet student of history, and the deep thinker, to see in the distance the clouds which menaced the horizon, and might soon overshadow the country. He doubtless dis- cerned the first germs of oppression which were almost coexistent with the settlement of the Colo- nies, and which we shall find distinctly described by the subject of this memoir in the first Fourth of July oration, delivered by him in 1783. Before the French War, disputes with Govern- ment had arisen, and by the end of that war had greatly multiplied. The colonists considered that they fought the battles of their mother country, who controlled their trade for her own profit, and reaped the advantage of their losses by the injury done to her hereditary enemy. The mother country, on the other hand, could only look at the expense incurred by the demands made upon her to protect her colonists. It was not difficult for the shrewd and well-informed pa- triot to foresee the ominous consequences that must ensue, unless the people of New England watched with wary eye over that liberty, for the sake of which they had left their native land. Upon one occasion, it is stated, turning his eye upon his eldest son, Joseph, he said, "I would 1753.] PARENTS. 6 rather a son of mine were dead, than a coward." This sentiment was never forgotten. It sank deep into the mind of the hearer, and was almost ren- dered prophetic when, many years after, on the eve of the battle of Bunker Hill, his friends at- tempted to dissuade him from going to what they considered certain death, and a premature sacrifice of the powers and influence his country so much needed. " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," was his well-known reply. The same spirit was infused into his youngest son, John. It was evinced in his whole life ; and in enforcing it in the oration delivered in 1783, al- ready alluded to, he spoke only the feelings of his own heart ; he enforced only his own spirit of ac- tion. It is true, as we shall find in the coming pages, John Warren always lived in his busy, ear- nest life, too much out of himself ever to be aware of personal danger. The estate occupied by my grandfather appears to have consisted of a cottage house, with seven acres of land, described as formerly belonging to Levin and Smith. The house was built by his fa- ther, who removed from Boston in 1720, and mar- ried Deborah Williams, the sister of the Rev. John Williams, who was taken captive by the Indians, in Deerfield ; a person whose history is well known, and has been rendered even more famous by the claims of a supposed descendant, to be Louis XVII. of France. As a thriving farmer, Joseph Warren added gradually to his real estate by purchasing land in 4 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [1755. different places, until he had acquired about fifty additional acres, the whole of which were appraised in 1765, at 1,050 13*. 4e7. The homestead farm he improved by the culti- vation of valuable fruit trees, and introduced the apple first known by his name, but afterwards as the Roxbury Russeting, or, in other States, as the Boston Russeting, a fine apple, keeping late in the spring, but which seems now to have essentially deteriorated. In the appraisal above mentioned, the home- stead farm is valued at 292 of the common cur- rency of the period. During the Revolutionary War, these trees were mostly cut down for military purposes ; a very serious loss to Mrs. Warren, who depended very much upon their produce for her support. Her husband was killed by a fall from an apple-tree in October, 1755, and thus may be said to have died in his vocation. At this period John, the youngest of the four sons, was only two years and three months old. The sight of his father's body borne home to the house, made an impression upon his mind at this early age which was never effaced. Thus was he bereft in infancy of that parent whose influence and guidance, though not so strongly needed or felt in early childhood, in- creases so greatly in importance as that age is passed, and the child goes on from youth to man- hood. Happy indeed is the youth who has the paternal hand still held out for his grasp till he arrives at maturity ; happy, especially, if he can 1755.] LETTER FROM HIS MOTHER. 5 fully appreciate the blessing he enjoys ; if reason and reflection, as well as affection, lead him to find in his father the guide, sympathizer, and friend. John Warren had not this happiness. He had, however, an excellent mother. She possessed, it is true, few of the advantages of early education ; but was naturally of a strong mind, firm in relig ions faith, and stern and unyielding in her sense of duty. Yet she was charitable to her neighbors, benevolent to the poor, and hospitable with the hospitality of former days. She was kind-hearted to children, and her elder grandchildren always re- ferred with delight to their visits at her house, es- pecially on the annual Thanksgiving, when she devoted herself to their enjoyment. Until she was eighty years old, she always pre- pared the dishes for her table for these festivals, with her own hands ; and was not satisfied after her guests had done full honor to her good cheer, unless she could load them with dainties to carry away. It may not be amiss to give here a letter writ ten to her son John at a later period. It bears the marks of one unused to writing ; but shows, nevertheless, her strength of character and relig- ious principles. It is dated August 6, 1776 : "DEAR CHILD, This cornes to let you know I am well, and the family in general, and through the goodness of God have been so ever since you left us. The children are all at Boston, under the operation of the small-pox. Jose is just now break- O LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [1755. ing out, Betsey has got over it; so that Mrs. Miller, where she is, talks of bringing her to see us to-day. The other children are at Mr. Scollay's. Mrs. Miller sends regards to you, and your Aunt Stevens sends her love. Our relations are gener- ally well, but she that was Polly Sever, is very low in a consumption. It is not expected she will live out dog-days. "My dear son, I greatly rejoice to hear of your health and temporal prosperity. We received a letter from you to-day, by the hand of Mr. Brown. You inform us of the great host that are coming against us, but I hope that God will scatter them, so that they will not be left to hurt you or us. "But, my child, eternal things lie with such weight on my mind, I can 't help reminding you of the importance of securing your everlasting well- being. Believe me, I could plead in the humblest manner with the meanest creature that has an immortal soul, to provide for its eternal happi- ness ; how much more for those whose souls are next my own ! "The Lord knows who are his. In the most calamitous times, oh, let us get unto Christ, that ark of safety in these tempestuous days. " Your affectionate mother, " MARY WARREN." This letter was written to John Warren, when he was twenty-three years old, and performing the duties of hospital surgeon in the army at Cam- bridge. I have introduced it, in this place, as 1755.] PARENTS. 7 illustrative of the character of the mother. The children alluded to were her grandchildren, left orphans and destitute, by the death of Joseph Warren at Bunker Hill. Mrs. Mary Warren was the daughter of Dr. Samuel Stevens of Roxbury. Such were the parents of John Warren. Such, in particular, was she who had the task of forming the moral and religious habits, of giving the early bias, and instilling those firm principles of piety, which bore fruit in the lives of her children. In her family, the rigid observance of the Sabbath, which commenced on Saturday evening, daily worship, and the diligent study of the Scriptures, were rigidly practiced and enforced. Joseph, the eldest son, is said to have possessed a knowledge of their contents that was unsurpassed. John, the youngest, of delicate constitution, and more entirely the subject of maternal care, im- pressed too in infancy by the solemn scene of his father's death, imbibed, perhaps, a tenderer disposition and softer affections than his brothers. With equal knowledge of the whole, he dearly loved the pathetic portions. The history of the patriarchs, of Jacob and his children, Joseph and his brethren, and, in the New Testament, the his- tory and sufferings of the founder of our faith, were great objects of interest. One of the strong- est traits transmitted from the father, was the old Puritan hatred of injustice in any form. The stern sense of duty, the paramount love of justice, was their pervading characteristic. " Let justice be done, though the skies fall." 8 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [1755. John, as I have said, was the youngest of four children. His three brothers were Joseph, Samuel, and Ebenezer. Of Joseph Warren, enough has been said and written. His biography by Mr. Frothingham leaves nothing to be added by me, except what is intimately connected with his brother's life and history. Hemarried, September 6, 1764, the daughter of Dr. Richard Hooton of Boston. She died at the age of twenty-six, April 29, 1773, about two years before her husband. If these dates are correct, she could have been only seventeen when she was married. She left four children, Joseph, Elizabeth, Richard, and Mary ; or, in their grandmother's language, that of the time, Jose, Dick, Betsey, and Polly, already spoken of in her letter given above. The second son of the elder Joseph Warren, was a man of peculiar habits very shy and reserved. He cultivated the farm, and always lived a secluded life. It is related of him, that he never could be induced to take a meal in his brother's house in Boston. When he had occasion to visit the family, he purchased a piece of gingerbread from one of the barrows which used to stand at the street corners, and eat it on the steps, with his face to the door, before he entered the house. Yet he was with his brothers at Lexington. He probably found it harder to meet a well dressed lady, than to face a regiment. He never married. After his mother's death, he continued to occupy the old house for two years, until his own death, which took place in 1805. 1755.] BIRTHPLACE. 9 In passing on, I may say here, that on Samuel's death, the house came into the possession of my fa- ther. It was leased to many tenants during his life. For some years, it was occupied by a Deacon Monroe, or "Deacon Roe," tis he was called. It then fell gradually into the hands of inferior ten- ants, as the process of decay went on. My father was too much busied with the stern realities of life, too anxious about the state of his country, too busied with his large practice and the cares of an increasing family, to devote much thought or money for the preservation of the paternal cottage. In 1833, the house and seven acres were offered for sale, and though many of the neighbors wished to buy, none would offer more than one thousand dollars. It was offered at auction, and to the aston- ishment of the spectators, sold for five thousand two hundred and ninety dollars. So little demand for land in Roxbury was there at this period, that an estate valued in 1765 at 292, was considered worth only $1,000, in 1833. The purchasers, however, soon found means of selling off house lots at a great advance. Dr. John C. Warren reserved the site of the old house, and as it was impossible to preserve this any longer, he built a new stone cottage upon the spot, as a memorial. Ebenezer Warren, the third son, married Ann Tucker of Boston, and settled in Foxborough. He became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Norfolk. He was a mild, benevolent man, and adhered to the faith of his fathers in poli- 10 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [1755. tics and religion, but with perfect liberality towards the opinions of others. His eldest son who settled in Maine, and became president of the Hallowell Bank, espoused with great zeal opposite opinions, becoming a Democrat, and attending a Unitarian church, but, I am confident, without any interrup- tion of the good feeling between them. Judge Warren lived many years after his broth- ers, to a good and happy old age. Shortly before his death, he rode on horseback from his home in Foxborough to Hallowell, Waterville, and Pal- myra, in Maine, to visit his children and relatives. He died January 21st, 1824. CHAPTER II. EDUCATION. 1763-1774. Education at the Roxbury Grammar School. Rev. Samuel Elliot. Enters College. Classmates. Acquires a Strong Love for the Study of Anatomy. Medical Education. TOHN WARREN did not evince any precocious talents for learning. He was ten years old before he began to read. He then went to the Grammar School in Roxbury, then under the charge of the Rev. Samuel Elliott, who was afterwards settled in Fairfield, Connecticut. He now applied himself earnestly to study, with the more zeal because he had not been compelled to turn pages into dog's ears, at an earlier age. At the age of fourteen he was well prepared for college, and entered at Harvard, July, 17G7. He was supported in college by his own exertions, and perhaps from that very reason, was induced to avail himself more earnestly of the opportunities he enjoyed. He became a good classical scholar, and acquired a facility of speaking the Latin lan- guage, which was of essential use to him in after life, when brought into communication with med- ical men from Europe, who had no other common tongue. His indefatigable industry, and a memory 12 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 21. wonderfully tenacious, gave him a high rank during his whole college course. He conceived a strong passion for the study of Anatomy, and by his zealous exertions a club was formed in college for its pursuit. Whether or not this was the Sp r Club, of which we shall find Dr. Eustis speaking hereafter, I cannot say. Among his classmates were James Bowdoin, the son of Governor Bowdoin ; Samuel Philips, afterwards Lieutenant-governor; Governor Sargeant, of Mississippi, etc. Dr. Eustis was in the class after. Immediately after leaving college, he commenced the study of Medicine with his brother Joseph, who had become one of the most successful practi- tioners in Boston. It is very possible that the fearful scene which he witnessed in childhood, while it produced serious and reflective habits, in- duced the desire to examine into the structure of that machine, so wonderful in its operations while active, so suddenly arrested in its course, beyond the power of man again to set it in motion. However induced, this disposition to inquire into the structure of the human body as displaying the work of a divine artificer, led him to overcome the natural horror and disgust which is especially felt by persons of delicate and refined organizations in breaking in upon the secrets which mortality hides from us, and witnessing the progress of cor- ruption in forms once beautiful and beloved. The prominent idea in his studies, as in the lectures which he subsequently gave, was to contemplate and describe the work of a superior 1774.] COMMENCES PRACTICE IN SALEM. 13 and benevolent designer in all the mechanism of the human frame. He was, like other men, ambi- tious of success in life, but this study was not re- garded by him mainly as that upon which he should build the foundation of future prosperity. He delighted in the study as displaying the work of a contriver, creator, and sustainer of powers in- finitely superior to those of man. It was the ear- nestness and enthusiasm with which he enforced these views, that gave him his power of eloquence when he became a lecturer. The term of two years' study only, was then required to qualify a student for the practice of medicine. Having completed the usual course, my father determined to settle in Salem. Boston was well supplied with physicians. Besides his brother Joseph ; Dr. Lloyd, Dr. Jeffries, Dr. Rand, Dr. Bullfinch, and others possessed the confidence of the public. In Salem, his sound qualifications and agreeable manners won for him the friendship and support of Dr. Holyoke, Avho then enjoyed a large practice. He soon became extensively employed. Although, as a young man, he could not at once obtain a profitable business, yet he was pretty well ocupied, and in after life he often expressed his gratitude for the honorable notice he had received from this town. He became much attached to it, and nothing but the call of his country could have induced him to leave it. Dr. Warren was indeed well qualified for the practice of his profession. His love of anatomy 14 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 21. had overcome the difficulties which, at this period, particularly interfered with the study of that branch of medical science, the most important foundation, especially for surgery. There were no lectures given. It had been necessary for him to obtain this knowledge by his own diligent exertions, his own personal risk, and the aid of those whose ardor he had excited. Knowledge so obtained is always the most valuable and the most practical. The difficulty of obtaining it, fixes it deep in the mem- ory. The mind is not crowded or eonfused by at- tention to a variety of objects ; the ideas are clearer and more real and distinct. The modes of study were also very different in those days. Fewer books were read ; the whole course was more practical. The pupil was an apprentice, in everything but the name, and the articles of service. He was required to prepare medicines, spread plasters, dress slight wounds, and rise to attend calls in the night. He accompanied his instructor in his attendance on patients ; in suitable cases he made visits and prescribed himself. Severe tasks were sometimes required. As late as 1813, a pupil was required to wire a skeleton, certainly a very useful work, involving the.acquisi- tion of much skill, and familiarity with the bones, but requiring no little labor. By this practical course, the pupil acquired expe- rience and confidence whilst under the eye of his master. The demand for practical knowledge, for personal responsibility in the treatment of disease ; led him to draw upon his own mental resources. 1774.] DUTIES OF MEDICAL STUDENTS. 15 He was not the mere passive recipient of what he read and saw. He became accustomed to apply it, and to depend upon himself. The habit of visiting with his instructor natu- rally placed them upon confidential terms, and a closer connection took place, for a man naturally expresses his views more fully to one who is the companion of his rides and visits, and the inmate of his house, than he ever can to a number, whom he only sees on the benches of his lecture room. A few words of practical and familiar explanation in answer to inquiry, is often of more value to the pupil than the perusal of a volume. The medical student, after enjoying all the advantages of hos- pitals and lecture rooms, when called upon to prescribe for a patient, after he has received his medical degree, is very much in the case of one who had received a diploma for swimming, without ever having been in the water. He may have read deeply upon the subject, made himself acquainted with the principles by which a body floats on the water, and know the very muscles which are to be used. He is simply unable to apply the principles. Dr. John C. Warren, who had enjoyed all the advantages of visiting in foreign hospitals, had practiced as an interne at Guy's, and been a pupil of Dubois in Paris, residing in his family; states that he was entirely at a loss when, after his return to Boston, he was first called upon to prescribe. He fixed upon the dose entirely by hazard. It was probably in ridicule of this kind of prepa- 16 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. I AGE 21. ration, that a successful practitioner in Boston in 1826, upon being asked by a pupil who had just entered his office, what book he should read, took down a volume of Celsus, in the original, a work of some six or eight large volumes. He probably had in his mind the reply of a physician in a re- moter age, " Read Don Quixote." In the former case, as probably in the latter, the pupil never applied again for direction in his studies. After the establishment of courses of lectures, and the opening of the hospital in Boston, the connection between teacher and pupil became very slight indeed. Another very eminent physi- cian, upon being applied to by a pupil at the period last mentioned, gave him a list of the books re- quired by the Massachusetts Medical Society, a list for many years unaltered, and informed him he could obtain the books from the Boston Athe- naeum. This was all the instruction he ever re- ceived from his nominal instructor, except occa- sionally witnessing a private operation, the steps of which he generally could not understand. The excellent medical school of Dr. Jackson and Dr. Channing was, however, an exception, and very soon after, other schools were formed. At a little earlier period than this, while the Boston Dispensary was undercharge of one phy- sician, many pupils entered their names with him, and had opportunity of acquiring experience under his direction and at his responsibility. But after a time, the wisdom of the directors of that institution discovered that this was allowing the physician 1774.] BOSTON DISPENSARY. 17 too great a discretion. It would seem indeed to be inevitable that the directors and trustees of all medical institutions understand the duties of the physicians, much better than they do themselves. What indeed is the use of authority, unless one can pull the reins and tighten the cords a little now and then ? When the Dispensary was first established, as it was upon purely benevolent motives, it was consid- ered a kind and generous thing for the physician to give his time and skill to the aid of the poor; but the advantages which were afforded by attract- ing pupils, who eagerly availed themselves of the opportunity for acquiring experience, soon made it profitable, and the office was eagerly sought for, and the directors beset with applications by phy- sicians just commencing practice. The advantage of dispensary over hospital prac- tice is, that the neophyte sees more of acute dis- ease. He sees his patient almost in the moment of the attack. Except in cases of accident, persons are not carried to a hospital at once, and the major- ity of the patients are those who have undergone a longer or shorter course of treatment at their houses, before they are brought in to receive the advantages of greater skill, or superior remedial means. Such at least was the case at the Massa- chusetts General Hospital. It must be so, in a degree, in all hospitals. The pupil does not see the patient in the first onset of disease, which is now generally allowed to be the only time for 18 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AcE 21. active treatment. In a large proportion of hospital cases, the resources of nature and those of physic have generally been pretty well tried, before the patient is brought in. I would be very far from depreciating the ad- vantages of reading, lectures, or hospital attend- ance above all, of clinical instruction. No man can arrive at professional eminence without these helps. But a man who has been called upon to use his own resources, and to apply, at the bed- side of his patient, the information he has ac- quired, will derive tenfold the advantage from these opportunities. He should have had some previous private instruction. Thus, a physician who has practiced five years at home, will derive very much greater advantages from visiting for- eign hospitals, and attending lectures abroad. Without these advantages a man may become a successful routine or empirical practitioner. He will rarely become an accomplished physician. The " Professor " tells us that there are in every class half a dozen bright faces to whom the teacher naturally directs himself, and among these is generally one with whom he forms, as it were, magnetic or sympathetic relations. These are 'the persons who are the most benefited by lec- tures. They are, most likety, young men from the country ; or, at any rate, persons thrown early upon their own resources, who have found out what they want to know, and whose minds are not merely in the state of recipients. H74.] MEDICAL EDUCATION. 19 Previous to the rupture with the mother coun- try, those who could do so went to Europe for their medical education. For those who did not, it was the duty of the instructor to supply the deficiency as far as possible. CHAPTER III. 1774-1775. TEA THROWN OVERBOARD. John Warren's Medical Qualifications. General Warren's Medical Practice. His success in Treatment of Small-pox. Partnership in a Small-pox Hospital with an English Surgeon. His Avhere- abouts on the Night and Morning of June 16, 1 7. Dr. Norwood's Letter. Mr. Eustis's Letter. Tea thrown Overboard. Dr. Tyler's Letters. John Warren's Letter to Joseph. Fear of in- curring Debt. Joseph's Answer. JOHN WARREN, therefore, had not been so un- favorably situated, as is generally supposed, for obtaining, in an eminent degree, the qualifications of a medical practitioner. Very strong attachment existed between him and his brother. Joseph's twelve years seniority, while it gave him the advantage of a large expe- rience, was not sufficient to .repel familiarity, nei- ther was his disposition likely to do so. Both brothers, warm-hearted, ardent, enthusiastic, of at- tractive manners, were closely united by patriotic, as well as professional sympathies. There can be no doubt that the elder afforded to his pupil every advantage which his large practice and his friendly instructions could render. The younger brother, possessed of great natural quickness, pow- 1774.] GENERAL WARREN'S MEDICAL PRACTICE. 21 erf ul memory, and an intuitive perception of facts, suffered no opportunity to pass unimproved. Joseph was the pupil of Dr. Lloyd, who received his medical , education in England. He never abandoned or neglected his profession. In the year 1764, very soon after he commenced prac- tice, the small-pox prevailed in Boston, and he became one of the most successful in its treatment. In July, 1774, less than a year before the battle of Bunker Hill, he entered into a copartnership with Dr. Bulh'nch, Samuel Adams, and James Latham, "surgeon in the King's or Eighth regi- ment of foot," for the purpose of erecting a hospi- tal at Point Shirley, in the township of Chelsea, for the inoculation of persons for the small-pox, and attending other persons having the disease in the natural way, upon certain specified conditions ; Dr. Latham giving his bond in the sum of three thousand pounds, lawful money of Great Britain, for the faithful performance of his part of the con- tract. A similar copartnership was formed, with the omission of Dr. Adams, for the purpose of erecting a small-pox hospital or hospitals in the Province of Pennsylvania, or any colonies to the north thereof. Each copartnership was to con- tinue for the space of twenty-one years from July 30; 1774. For a person so earnestly engaged in the all- absorbing political events of the period, this seems to be a pretty enterprising concern. A petition was presented in November of the same year to the Selectmen of the Town of Chelsea, LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. for leave to open the hospital ; and for the estab- lishment of a guard to insulate the hospital build- ings, and prevent communication of the disease. The 6th of March following must have effectu- ally dissolved this partnership. Dr. Adams, who was the son of the distinguished patriot Samuel Adams, and a pupil of Joseph Warren, became a surgeon in the army. On the 19th of April, 1775, the day of the bat- tle of Lexington, General Warren called to him Mr. Eustis, then his pupil, directed him to take charge of his patients during his absence, mounted his horse, and rode off to the scene of action. I have attended a lady who was born in Ded- ham on the 17th of June, 1775. Dr. Joseph War- ren was engaged to attend her mother in her con- finement. It is stated that he visited her on that morning, and finding she had no immediate occa- sion for his services, told her that he must go to Charlestown to get a shot at the British, and he would return to her in season. On the night of the 16th, it is well known that he presided at the meeting of the Colonial Con- gress, which continued in sessipn a great part of the night in Watertown. It is very probable that he returned to visit his mother and his children at Roxbury before the battle, and from there went to visit his patient. It is well known that he was late on the battle-field. Of course, he never re- turned to her again, and she was attended by Mr. Eustis. General Warren, then, was in active practice up 1775.J DR. NORWOOD'S LETTER. 23 almost to the moment of his death. His brother John, therefore, though he had not, like many of his time, visited a foreign country, had enjoyed the advantage of seeing a large practice, and receiv- ing the instructions of an able and experienced practitioner. He was well qualified to justify the recommendations of Dr. Holyoke, and the confi- dence he so rapidly obtained in Salem. It had been his previous intention to go to Su- rinam, and, with the purpose of qualifying him- self for residence and practice there, he had made himself thoroughly acquainted with the Dutch language. The following letter from Dr. Jon. Norwood alludes to this intention: " FALMOUTII, CASCO BAY, June 5, 1775. " SIR, I suppose all thoughts of the West In- dia Expedition are laid aside, and that you deter- mine to exercise your talents for the benefit of your countrymen. I need not assure you how great satisfaction it would give me to accompany you to the army, where possibly a Sp r Club might again exert itself for the benefit of man- kind. " Brother Bond, it seems, has been in Limbo, but whether he has regained the esteem of his countrymen, or came out the same heterogeneous Quiddam he went in, I have not been able to learn. If you have leisure, your answer to the following queries will much oblige your friend and humble servant, Jon. Norwood. 24 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. "Is not the best way of curing old spinous ulcers where they are free from pain, but the part feeble by stimulants? " What are proper ? " What distinguishes bilious cholic from inflam- mation of the bowels ? Yours, J. N." Jonathan Norwood was in the same class with my father; Nathan Bond was in the class after. William Eustis, above mentioned, graduated at Cambridge in 1772, the year after my father. He immediately commenced his medical studies with Joseph Warren, so that they were one year to- gether as fellow-pupils, and continued the inti- macy already formed in college. He was left, as has been said, by General Warren, to attend his patients on the day of the battle of Lexington, but he was of too vivacious temperament to be easily excluded from his share of the fun ; so about one o'clock, " Enstis mounted too," like his predecessor at Flodden, and was off for the scene of action, where he found full demand for all the surgical skill he possessed. When the American army was forming, General Warren offered and obtained for Mr. Eustis the appointment of regimental surgeon, observing to him that he had already seen more practice than most surgeons from the country. He was accord- ingly appointed surgeon of the regiment of artil- lery, then at Cambridge. He followed the army to New York, and soon after received the appointment of hospital surgeon. He was one of those who 1775-1 LETTER FROM DR. EUSTIS. 25 continued through the war. It may be noticed here that, at this time, no medical degrees were con- ferred by Harvard University. The examinations for hospital surgeons were very strict, as testified to by Dr. Thacher, but there was no authority any- where to confer degrees ; and up to a much later period the title of Doctor of Medicine was enjoyed by courtesy only, except by those who obtained it from abroad. The College catalogue gives Dr. Eustis no title of Doctor of Medicine, although he was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. The omission is worthy of notice, as significant of the customs of the time. He received a Master's degree in 1784, and the customary LL. D. when he became Governor of Massachusetts in 1823. His intimacy with my father is noticed as one of the earliest recollections of John C. Warren. After the war, we find him Vice-President of the Society of the Cincinnati, a proof that he did not share the democratic prejudices of Samuel Adams against this institution. Soon after my father's settlement in Salem, the following very pleasant letter was received from Dr. Eustis, dated November 17, 1773: " AUSPICIOUS YOUTH, These are to congratulate you on the pleasing smile which Madam Fortune has been pleased to cast upon you. Your happy success serves to confirm me in the opinion that superior merit seldom fails to meet with its reward. We poor dclvers view you as the favorite of Heaven, snatched from among us to inherit the kingdom of 26 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. bliss, which is always open to receive great minds. Last evening, I had the pleasure to receive by Mr. Gowers your kind favor of the 13th instant, and I beg you would steal one hour from the Sale mites, to give us a full detail of your circumstances, what say they of you how business comes in how Bond is how the hectic woman is ? etc., etc. "The Sp rs often speak of the loss of their last member, with sorrow which can only be felt among themselves. Good heavens ! to reflect on the continued bars we are meeting in our pursuits. It seems as if fate had placed medical knowledge profimda in puteo, saxis et vix mobilibus mlmersa. Could any one be a spectator of our honest, lauda- ble intentions, and, at the same time, observe the momentous difficulties with which we are continu- ally perplexed, methinks it would lead a flinty soul to pity us ; but, "Descends O Salemite, omnesque aspicite Sp rs, ' Quos neque Pauperies, neque vincula terrent.' I wish I had time to say many more things, sed fata vetant. I remain, much valued Doctor, your very humble servant, W. EUSTIS. " P. S. Sir, pray remember that Mr. Townsend speaks in this letter as well as myself, that we twain are one flesh, that one soul animates us both, and that we have not differed in sentiment with regard to one iota, since you left us. But as my other half is gone to the dressings, and don't see what I write, I must justly beg that you would impute all the folly you read to W. E., and if per- chance you should meet anything tolerably clever, 1775.] LETTER FROM DR. TYLER. 27 attribute half of it to Mr. T. We remain jointly and severally your humble D. T. & W. E. Tuesday Whilst my" father was assiduously pursuing his profession in Salem, making friends and extending his practice, not as yet very lucrative, public events were moving rapidly on. December 18th, the tea was thrown overboard in Boston harbor. The prompt result was the Boston Port Bill, and this in turn gave rise to the " Solemn League and Cove- nant," a paper circulated throughout the Province, by which the signers bound themselves to break off all intercourse with England. This step was doubtless taken by the wise and prudent initiators of our Revolution, not so much to injure the parent government as to combine the population in measures of resistance, and inure them to depend upon internal resources. Some years later, after the Revolution, it was imitated as a popular measure, to compel England to abstain from certain aggressions. In the latter case, it was more injurious to ourselves, than to the nation against whom it was aimed. My father's other occupations did not prevent his taking a warm interest in all these matters, and aiding the public cause with tongue and pen. He was already enrolled in Colonel Pickering's regi- ment of foot, which he joined as a volunteer, and he had been elected surgeon to that body. The following letter, dated July 21, 1774, was written by Daniel Tyler, a classmate of John Warren, 28 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. who lived in Brooklyn, Connecticut. It is in strong contrast with Dr. Eustis', and shows the writer to be of a serious, reflecting character, and earnestly interested in the public cause : "DEAR DOCTOR, The familiar acquaintance I had with you when in college, together with an unfeigned zeal for the good of my country, must apologize for my troubling you with this imperfect epistle. "I was in Boston the other day, and flattered myself with the hope of seeing you, but Dr. Young informed me you were removed to Salem. How- ever, the deficiency of your good company was in a great measure made up by my being honored with the company of Messrs. Gushing, Adams, and Dr. Young, patriots of renown, whose zeal in their country's cause will hand down their names to posterity, with universal applause. The Americans now exhibit a virtue unknown to the Greeks and Eomans. Behold them vying with each other in their munificence to the town of Boston, which stands in the front of the American contest. laudable ambition ! The tables of the poor are bountifully spread with the liberalities of a spirited people. The union of British America is surpris- ing, to use the words of the above Doctor (Young) in our discourse upon this point. It is the Lord's doing, and marvelous in our eyes. If this harmony is kept up, we shall gain our point. It is not all Europe that can enslave us. We shall baffle the united attempts of a cruel and arbitrary Parliament 1775.] DR. TYLER'S LETTER, 29 to enslave America. Ere long K g G ge will and must see he has been led astray by a cursed, deceitful, and designing ministry ; a ministry who make the present administration worse than the administration of Charles the First ; and it is a wonder, if the American wrongs are not speedily redressed, if King George's crown is not safe upon his head, neither is his head safe under his crown. " The union of America in the non-importation agreement will, and must, affect thousands of man- ufacturers in England, who get their bread by the American trade. And now I must end this epistle, with entreating you by the bond of friendship to carry on a political epistolary correspondence with me. And as I have the honor of being a commit- tee for that purpose, it makes me more earnest of collecting private intelligence from different parts of America. " I am, with due respect, your friend and fellow- countryman, DANIEL TYLER. " A post will take your letter from Edes & Gill's office." This letter would of itself be proof of the inter- est which Dr. Warren was known to take in pub- lic affairs. It was promptly answered on the 3d of August, and the correspondence continued by a third letter of greater length, dated September 1st: " DEAR FRIEND, Your wise and patriotic letter of the 3d ultimo, is now before me, for which I take this opportunity to return my unfeigned thanks. 30 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. " Your observation is entirely just, that it is the duty of every good citizen to use every effort which the GOD of nature has capacitated him with, to suppress those monsters of state which, if suffered to rear their proud heads, must eventually subvert that constitution which is the birthright of every Englishman. And I can but rejoice to think this opinion is strictly adhered to in your province, which is widened by your people's treatment of your Mandamus Counselors, who are monsters more hideous than Hydra. I hope they will perse- vere, and make them all confess they have sinned against GOD and against their country, and beg for the pardon and the mercy of their GOD and countrymen. " It must be pleasing to every well wisher to his country, that the heroic inhabitants of the town of Boston still persist in their heroic resolution ' not to abandon the heroic cause in which they have engaged.' The thanks of all America are justly due to those noble people for their self-denial, which they exhibit, in a Christian like manner, in the day of their distress. The liberality of their countrymen must animate them amazingly in their melancholy situation. " It must be, and is held a piece of prudence in the inhabitants of Boston, 'to avoid all conten- tion with the soldiery ; ' and I am glad to find, when there is any contention, they have the better of the soldiers. " I am very glad to hear Lord North, that enemy of mankind, has been attacked, but am sorry they 1775.] MEASURES OF RESISTANCE. 31 had not left his body a lifeless Corps in his chariot. It is from things of that nature, beyond the water, we must look to for relief; which will be in conse- quence of our uniting, and religiously adhering to a Non-Importation. " The present clouds of oppression, I hope, will soon blow over ; but I expect they will shower down blood first. But I hope it will come from those whose garments most resemble it. " We are in a good cause, and have reason to expect the Almighty Governor of the world will smile upon us, and give us conquest over all the enemies of our invaluable rights. We had a Fast in our Government yesterday, when many devout and patriotic prayers ascended up on high, which with the many of our brethren will, I hope, be answered in peace. "We are equipping ourselves for war in this Government; the news of which, together with that of four other provinces being in like posture, will make a British Senate tremble. " Your future favors will be gratefully received and acknowleged, by your friend, fellow country- man, and humble servant, DANIEL TYLER, Jr." The following letter was written to a committee of the mechanics of New York, on behalf of the mechanics of Boston, dated September 8, 1774: " GENTLEMEN, General Gage being determined to cut off the communication of this town with the country, by fortifying the sole pass between them and the land, has applied to several tradesmen in 32 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. this town, and found none base enough to engage in so villainous an enterprise, and it is now said he intends to apply to New York for workmen to complete his designs. Our tradesmen, therefore, apprehending that your zeal for the common safety is not less to be depended upon than their own, requested us to give you the earliest intimation of the matter, that you might take your own meas- ures accordingly. " We cannot doubt but the tradesmen of New York will treat an application of this kind as it deserves. The subject is of the last importance, and for any one part of America to show a readi- ness to comply with measures destructive of any other part, will inevitably destroy that confidence so necessary to the common salvation. "We are, gentlemen, your friends and fellow- countrymen. " By order of the Committee, " JOHN WARREN, Chairman!' This letter was received by the committee of the mechanics of New York, and unanimously ordered to be printed. It was also " unanimously resolved, " That the thanks of this committee be returned to those worthy mechanics of this city who have declined to aid or assist in the erection of fortifications on Boston Neck, which, when completed, would prob- ably be improved to spill the blood of their fellow- subjects in Massachusetts Bay, cut off the commu- nication with the country, whereby the soldiery 1775.] MEASURES OF RESISTANCE. 33 might be enabled to inflict on that town all the dis- tresses of famine, and reduce those brave and loyal people to terms degrading to human nature, repug- nant to Christianity, and which, perhaps, might prove destructive of British and American liberty. " Resolved, likewise, That the thanks of this Committee be returned to those merchants of this place, for their truly worthy and patriotic conduct, who have virtuously refused to let their yessels to transport the army and the horrid engines of war, for the detestable purpose of destroying his Majes- ty's faithful subjects in the Massachusetts Bay, who are a people well known to have been constant in supporting, and firm in defending the Protestant Succession, as settled in the illustrious House of Hanover. '"Signed by order and in behalf of the Committee of Mechanics, " ABEL HARDENBROOK, Jr., Chairman." Whatever might be the degree of irritation caused by ministerial measures at this time, or whatever might have been the hopes of a peaceful settlement, the prudent leaders of political move- ments did not shut their eyes upon the difficulties which they must be prepared to meet in case of a rupture. The unprepared state of the country, and especially the want of ammunition, were mat- ters of extreme anxiety and a source of incessant affliction to Joseph Warren. All that he could do by his personal means he did, and he induced his 34 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. brothers Eben and John to appropriate a large portion of their small paternal estate to the same purpose. Joseph Warren, too much engrossed in the affairs of his country to attend to private emolu- ment, deprived also of the partner who might have aided him in domestic matters, was often hard pressed for money. He was of a free and liberal disposition, and never acquired any rigid notions of economy. It was owing to this cause that he left his children destitute. In January, 1775, impelled by the necessities of that particular period, and doubtless supposing that his brother's practice was more lucrative than it was, he applied to him for payment of a note, given either for his medical tuition, or for money borrowed I believe for the former. Perfectly ready himself to give his bond or incur a debt, if his country's good required it, he could riot under- stand his brother's objections to a similar course. At this time, it will be recollected, Joseph Warren's wife had been dead two years, his chil- dren were under the roof of their grandmother, whose husband had been considered " opulent," " passing rich on forty pounds a year," so that he had never felt the pressure of family necessities. John, on the other hand, had been earlier thrown on his own resources ;' he had supported himself in college partly by his own labor. He was just entering upon a professional career, and he looked with horror upon the idea of incurring a debt He 1775.] JOHN TO JOSEPH WARREN. 35 wished to support himself honorably by his own exertions, keeping clear, on principle, of all pecun- iary obligation, except what he had necessarily incurred to his brother, and which he had not expected to be called upon to pay, at least until professional success rendered it easy. The two following letters are characteristic. The first, as well as the letter of Miss Grafton, which will be given hereafter, shows that however favor- able were' the young physician's prospects, money came slow and hard. It was not easier in 1775 for a young doctor to get his bills paid than it was fifty years later. It was necessary " to die or give up practice" in order to collect his bills. In these days, shrewd young practitioners of- ten accomplish the same purpose by establishing themselves in a flourishing village, acquiring pro- fessional experience, and a certain amount of dues, and then remove to a distant place, leaving their bills with an attorney, and perhaps some of their own debts unpaid. It is much too apt to be the case, however, that while people would not think of consulting a wealthy, distinguished physician without a good fee in their hands, they imagine the young and needy ought to be content with their patronage, and wait their convenience for payment. It must be sometimes an aggravation to witness the ease with which a sum is raised for the consulting phy- sician, in a case of alarm, sufficient to pay the annual bill of the regular attendant and support 36 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. his family for a month, which bill the patient or his family have been unable to pay. The letter from John is dated January 29th: " DEAR BROTHER, I received your letter of last week, wherein you propose my giving my note to Dr. Greenleaf, for two hundred pounds lawful money, to be paid in two years. This proposal, I assure you, has given me not a little uneasiness. I should, however, be very glad to comply with it, but I see no probability of my doing it with any prospect of paying the sum, in so short a time, or anything near it " It is true I have as good a share of business as I could reasonably expect for the time I have been here, but I cannot collect more than money suffi- cient to defray the charges arising from clothing and other common expenses. I am not able to pay anything towards my board or apothecaries' bill,' and am pretty certain that at the expiration of the above mentioned term I shall not be able to satisfy more than these annual demands, not to mention what I shall then be behindhand on these accounts. The people here are accustomed to being dealt with so very easy by their physicians, Dr. Holyoke having reduced their fees to a very low rate, and never having troubled them for their accounts except when they troubled him for them. A physician who should charge anything nearly sufficient barely to support the dignity of the profession, or should attempt to make any innova- 1775.] LETTER TO JOSEPH. 37 tions upon the ancient usage of the town, would at once throw himself out of practice. The note has ever laid like a weight upon my mind, but I was always in hopes that you would not have occasion to call upon me to discharge it, till my circum- stances should render it easy for me to do it. "You will consider the disadvantages I labor under. To enter the world under such circum- stances is really discouraging. I should be in hopes however of surmounting my difficulties in time, but I expect to undergo many anxious days until it is accomplished. It is thought considerable if a young person is able in three or four years after entering upon business to maintain himself, even if he is clear of the world, as the saying is ; but to discharge so great a debt, is what very few, I believe, would think practicable in any small number of years. " You very well know by experience the very critical situation which those of the faculty are in, with regard to collecting debts, so that one must either die or throw aside business, to realize any considerable proportion of the money which he has in book debts, and you are sensible that a young practitioner must meet with reduplicate difficulties of this kind, at a time when every step is to be construed as giving a stamp to his future being in the world; and Eternitati pingo, though in a more limited sense, should be the motto and regulator of his conduct. "Depend upon it, I will make use of every pre- caution in my power to get out of debt as soon as 38 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGK 22. possible, but the giving a note to Dr. Greenleaf, would involve me in difficulties from which, I fear, I should never be able to extricate myself. " So soon as I am able, I will begin to remit the money to you, and it must necessarily be some years before I can consider myself as having a farthing of my own ; a mortifying reflection this. My business rapidly increases. I believe I shall be able to do as well as can be expected from any- body in my circumstances. I have the happiness of flattering myself that I have many good friends here, and were I even with the world, should not doubt of being in tolerable circumstances, unless some unexpected event should destroy my hopes. Of this I am certain, that I have neglected no opportunity and spared no pains to render myself as independent of my fellow-creatures as possible. " The principal business is still in the hands of Dr. Holyoke, and will doubtless remain until he is incapable for business, which is not likely to be soon. I believe I have the next greatest share, but it cannot be supposed that my families should, in general, be as good as his. " No vessels, whose masters I have any knowledge of, are about sailing for the places you mentioned, nor have been since your last writing to me abo"ut them. If you can trust any of whose character you cannot be particularly informed, I believe I can soon secure one to each place. I have been and still will be watching for one. J. W. " P. S. As to Capt. Luce, I immediately, after receiving your letter, made strict inquiry after 1775.J HORROR OF DEBT. 39 him, but found he was not here. I have since found there is one of the same name from Fal- mouth, who is cast away. " Yours, JOHN WARREN." There are several particulars in this letter worthy of attention, as indications of character in the individual I am portraying. In the first place, his strong aversion to debt, the heaviness with which it weighed on his mind, the horror which he felt of owing so large a sum to any one but his brother, while, on the other hand, Joseph considered the amount a mere trifle. Next, the letter indicates, or shadows out, a degree of that anxiety with regard to future means of support, an anxiety produced from some physical cause, probably hereditary, which never left him even in his most prosperous days, and continued to the end of his life. While his friends were congratulating him upon his brilliant prospects, and he himself felt that they were all that he could expect, he still felt that there were many difficulties before him. Most young men of ardent temperament, at this day at least, think little of incurring a debt which they believe that their abilities will soon enable them to pay off. Whilst John Warren was of pleasant address, always cheerful in conversa- tion, enjoying wit and fun with as keen a relish as any one, he had always a distrust of himself, a secret feeling of doubt as to the future. This dis- trust, however, never palsied his powers, but led 40 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. him on only to increased exertions. Possessed of the keenest susceptibility, he was very strong in his feelings, and naturally impulsive, though not sanguine. The motto he had chosen and the manner he applies it, shows his plan of life. " I paint for eternity " means, as he limits it, the determination not to aim at transient success and rapid emolu- ment, but to lay the solid foundation for perma- nent eminence. There is another point of view in which we may regard this letter and the next. We look back upon the men of the Revolution as if their thoughts must have been full of the . disturbances and great events of the time, and we feel almost surprised at their thinking of anything else. Whilst these- two writers were standing upon the edge of a volcano which might burst out at any time under their feet, they are discussing matters of business, and calculating upon the future, as if there had been no clouds in the hori- zon. So have we always a feeling that the future will be like the present. Changes always take us by surprise when they come, however clearly we have foreseen, or even labored to produce them. It is very certain that neither my father nor his brother had any idea or wish at this time for a separation from the mother country. Still per- fectly loyal to King George, their animosity was directed against his Ministers only, to whom all injuries were attributed ; and against the soldiers and officers whose haughty bearing provoked resent- 1775.] GENERAL WARREN'S ANSWER. 41 ment, and who were regarded as the instruments of tyrannical oppression. It is certainly very curious to see Joseph War- ren at this time, July, 1774, forming a partnership for twenty-one years with a surgeon in his Majes- ty's Regiment of Foot. Dr. Holyoke's place did not soon become va- cated. In October, 1828, fifty-four years after the above letter was written, I had the pleasure of going through the wards and offices of the Mas- sachusetts General Hospital with him, then a hale, active man, in full possession of his faculties of mind and body, one hundred years old the 12th of August preceding. He had retired from busi- ness the year before, in 1827. Joseph's answer was dated 18th February, 1775: " DEAR JACK, I would not lead you (although I stand much in need of cash) into any situation from which you could not easily bring yourself, honorably and conveniently. Mr. Greenleaf is not in want of his money, but a circumstance is soon likely to take place which makes it proper I should not be personally in his debt ; but I can- not at this time otherwise discharge it than by paying him in notes. " If at the expiration of two years you find it inconvenient to pay the money, I will pay it my- self, you giving me a note therefor. It is probable I shall do it in less than six months from this date. I therefore think it can be no unreasonable ob-. jection to my proposal, which I would be glad might be complied with as speedily as may be. 42 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 22. " Your application for the mare I could not re- ply to, since I had sent my horse into the country. But he is now returned, and the mare is ready to be sent to you whenever called for. Let me hear by the first opportunity. a Yours, Jos. WARREN." Joseph Warren evidently considered the mere act of putting one's name to paper a very trifling affair. He had no idea of giving his brother any inconvenience ; and he himself would pay the note if it should not be easy for John. Like other people of ardent disposition, he does not look for- ward to what might happen even within six months. Yet General Warren was one of the first to fore- see that " we must fight ; " and we are told that he spent part of every day in military exercises. The British troops were quartered in Boston. He was well known to their officers, and he could not walk in the streets without being exposed to their insults or sneers. It was while walking with Mr. Eustis one day, on an occasion of this kind, he ut- tered the words : " These fellows say we won't fight. Would to Heaven I might die knee deep in their blood." CHAPTER IV. 1775. BATTLES OF LEXINGTON AND BUNKER HILL. The Three Brothers at Lexington. Narrow Escape of Joseph. John Warren Surgeon of Colonel Pickering's Regiment. Jour- nal. His Brother Missing. His Search and Inquiries. - Wounded in endeavoring to pass a Sentinel. Confused Reports of the Battle. Some Days before General Warren's Death is ascertained. Journal. Indignation against the British Minis- try. Appointed Hospital Surgeon. Arrival of Washington at Camp. Dr. Church. Letter to Miss Grafton. Letter to John Hancock. Extracts from Journal. months after the date of the preceding letter, on the 19th of April, the three broth- ers were summoned from their respective abodes, Boston, Salem, and Roxbury, to the battle of Lexington. My father accompanied Colonel Pick- ering's Regiment, and encamped with it at Cam- bridge, for a fortnight after the fight, after which he returned to Salem. Joseph Warren, who had the evening before sent as messengers Paul Revere and William Dawes to Lexington, to give notice of the expected at- tack, reached the ground early on horseback, and did active service through the day, regu- lating the ardor of the militia and bringing it into system. He had a very narrow escape in 44 LIFE OF DR. JOHN AVARREN. [AoE 22. this fight, a ball having struck the pin out of his earlock, which it was then the fashion to wear. He was in every skirmish that took place up to the 17th of June. On the 17th of June, my father was again called from Salem, his "beloved Salem," his brother Eben calls it, by the sound of the firing of cannon, and by the flames of Charlestown. I well recollect the pathetic and glowing description he gave me, then a child, of his lonely march on that night. Strong feeling gave him a power of eloquence which nothing written can possess. I give the account from his journal, which, though printed, has never been published : "June 17, 1775. This day, a day ever to be remembered by the United American Colonies, at four o'clock in the afternoon, I was alarmed with the incessant report of cannon, which appeared to be at, or near Boston. Towards sunsetting, a very great fire was discovered nearly in a direction O it from Salem for Boston. At the beginning of the evening, news arrived that a smart engagement had happened in the afternoon, on Bunker Hill, in Charlestown, between the King's regular troops and the Provincials. Soon after, we received intel- ligence that our troops were repulsed with great loss, and the enemy had taken possession of the ground, which we had broke the night before. I was very anxious, as I was informed that great numbers had Mien on both sides, and that my brother was in all probability in the engagement. 1775.] BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 45 I however went home with the determination to take a few hours' sleep, and then go immediately for Cambridge, with my arms. " Accordingly, in the morning about two o'clock, I prepared myself, and went off on horseback, and when I arrived at Medford, received the melan- choly and distressing tidings that rny brother was missing. Upon this dreadful intelligence I went immediately to Cambridge, and inquired of almost every person I saw whether they could give me any (information of him. Some told me he was undoubtedly alive and well, others, that he was wounded ; and others, that he fell on the field. " This perplexed me almost to distraction. I went on inquiring, with a solicitude which was such a mixture of hope and fear, as none but one who has felt it can form any conception of. In this manner I passed several days, every day's information diminishing the probability of his safety. " It appears that about twenty-five hundred men were sent off from the ministerial quarters in Boston, to dispossess a number, about seven hundred of our troops, who had, in the course of the night, cast up a small breastwork on the hill. They accordingly attacked them, and after having retreated three times, carried their point (upon which our men retreated with precipitation), hav- ing lost about tw T o hundred dead, and about three hundred wounded, amongst whom were a consid- erable proportion of officers, Lieutenant-colonel Abercrombie, Major Pitcairn, etc., a dear purchase to them indeed !" 46 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. While endeavoring, on this occasion, to pass a sentinel, in his overwhelming anxiety to ascer- tain his brother's fate, Dr. Warren received a thrust from a bayonet, the scar of which he bore through life. Much has been done of late years, by comparing different statements, to reconcile conflicting ac- counts, and obtain clear ideas of the battle. At the time, it was impossible. The whole battle, and in particular the concluding engagement, when the ammunition of our men was exhausted, and they clubbed their muskets, mostly destitute of bayo- nets, and fought hand to hand ; was a fierce and confused melee. Each man was too much engaged to know what passed around him. Each had a dif- ferent story to tell. Who were in the battle ? Who fell ? Who commanded ? were questions no one could answer. All was involved in _the confusion of an irregular fight, and in the smoke of burning Charlestown. That the English had obtained possession of the ground, was all that could be known. Even the name of the battle-ground was a mistake. The men had been ordered to take possession and fortify themselves at Bunker's Hill. By mistake they went to Breed's Hill, and threw up their intrenchments, so that in the morning the British commanders found them in so commanding a position, that, unless they could be dislodged, their own position would be untenable. The American commanders had not contemplated so bold a step, which they must have foreseen would 1775.] BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 47 bring on an immediate engagement. But in spite of all the information given by historians of the battle, it will always be known to the remotest times, as the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was several days before my father could as- certain the fact of his brother's death. He was ever accustomed to feel more for others than for himself. The affliction of his mother, the condition of his brother's children, now completely orphaned and destitute, the loss of so many of his countrymen, not only produced the severest grief, but excited the utmost indignation against those in the mother country who had counseled measures of violence and oppression, as well as those who were the submissive instruments of these measures. It is difficult, in reading the history of these events at this distant period, to fully realize the irritation produced by these measures, and by the insulting demeanor of the foreign troops, who regarded the Continentals as rebels, and were themselves galled by the reputation in which they were held. Some passages in my father's journal show what were his feelings at this period, and will serve of course as a specimen of the general state of mind. It should be recollected that the indignation thus strongly expressed, was directed neither against the king or the English people, but against the advisers, by whom it was supposed that monarch was controlled. I believe it is now ppetty well settled by English writers, that the perseverance in acts of oppression was due to the prejudices 48 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. and obstinacy of the king himself. But at this early stage of the war the colonists considered themselves good and loyal subjects of King George. Addressing the ministry, he says : " ye blood- thirsty wretches, who planned this dreadful scene, which you are now forcing your blood-hounds to execute, did you but feel the pangs of heartfelt pungent grief for the cruel wounds you inflicted upon the tenderest part of the public, as well as individuals, you would have execrated those dia- bolical measures, which by your counsels have been adopted, and precipitated us into all the horrors of civil war. " Unfeeling wretches ! reflect a moment, if you have still one feature of humanity which is unob- literated from your minds, and view the helpless orphan bereft of its fond and only parent, stript of every comfort of life, driven into an inhospitable wild, and exposed to all the misery which is the result of your brutal violence, and forbear to weep if you can ; but I defy you to show yourselves so refined in your darling acts of cruelty, as to be capable of supporting the shocking reflection. "Here, stay your hands, ye miscreants ! stay your bloody hands, still warmed with the purple fluid, and ask if you are not sated with the inhuman carnage ? If your hearts long since inured to view these horrid scenes, can do so without emotion, go on then ye dastard butchers, let desolation and destruction mark your bloody steps, where'er your brave opposers are by fortune destitute of proper arms for their defense, but give up forever your 1775.] JOURNAL. 49 pretensions to honor, justice, and humanity. Know that this brave, undaunted, and oppressed people have an arm which will soon be exerted to defend themselves, their wives and children ; an arm, which will ere long inflict such vengeance on their haughty, presumptuous foes, as shall convince them that they are determined that British cowards, though their number be as the sands on the sea- shore, shall never subjugate the brave and inno- cent inhabitants of the American continent. "Cover your heads with shame, ye guilty wretches. Go home and tell your blood-thirsty master your pitiful tale, and tell him that the laurel which once decorated the soldier has withered on his brow upon the American shore. Tell him that the British honor and fame have received a mortal stab from the brave conduct of the Americans ; tell him that even your congress have but served to inspire the sufferers with fresh courage and deter- mined revolution, and let him know that since that accursed day when first the hostile troops of Great Britain put their foot on the American shore, your conduct has been such as has operated in a contin- ued series of disgraceful incidents, weak counsels, and operations replete with ignorance and folly. Tell him this, ye contemptible cowards ; hide your- selves like menial slaves in your master's kitchens, nor dare approach the happy asylum of once ex- tinct liberty, for if ye dare, ye die." Such were the strong feelings of a young man of extreme susceptibility, whose indignation had long since been warmly aroused, who had taken an 50 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. earnest share in all the plans for resistance, and was now smarting under his own family sorrows and those of his friends and associates. Under these feelings he lost no time in offering himself, arms in hand, as a volunteer. It would doubtless have been more agreeable to him to have served in the ranks. We shall see, hereafter, that at various times he evinced a smothered but constant desire to let fall the scalpel, and grasp the musket. But there were those at camp, who knew his medical qualifications, and prevailed upon him to accept the honorable post of hospital surgeon, in which his abilities would be of much greater advantage. The distress of his mother, also, at the idea of losing her younger son, as she had the elder, had its influence. He was only twenty-two years old, when he received the appointment of senior surgeon of the hospital at Cambridge. His prospects of a quiet and lucrative practice in the town of Salem, among a people to whom he had become fervently attached, and whose respect he had acquired, were now at an end. Suddenly, he had become transferred to the service of his country, with an ample field for unremitting labor in aiding the establishment of the new hospi- tal, and in attending the sick and wounded. Dr. James Thacher, who was appointed his mate, testi- fies to the esteem in which he was held. " This gentleman has acquired a great reputation in his profession, and is distinguished for his humanity and attention to the sick and wounded soldiers, and for his amiable disposition." 1775.] BENJAMIN CHURCH. 51 On the third of July, General Washington arrived in Cambridge, and began the work of a thorough organization of the army. A Medical Board was formed, and sixteen candidates present- ed themselves for examination. This examination was close and severe. The candidate was required to evince his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgery, and medicine. Dr. Thacher tells us that six were privately rejected. Dr. Benjamin Church was appointed Director- general of the army hospitals. He was a dexter- ous operator, and he had held offices of trust among the patriots. He held that of director, however, only a short time. He was detected in a treason- able correspondence, and although he had the skill and ingenuity to remove the proofs of his guilt and make a plausible defense, the evidence of Paul Revere is sufficient to confirm the truth of the accusations against him. He was tried, convicted, and confined for a year, but was afterwards allowed to leave the country. The ship in which he sailed was lost, and he was never heard from again. The following letter to a friend, Miss Grafton, of Salem, seems to contain an allusion to this subject. The correspondence which led to the discovery was detected in July, though it was not made public until October, but it must have been known or more than suspected by the medical officers. The subse- quent letter to John Hancock, relates more fully to this matter, which threw the medical department into some confusion. The letter to Miss Grafton is dated Cambridge, September 22, 1775 : 52 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Acs 22. " ESTEEMED FRIEND, Amidst the hurry and confusion which so inseparably attend the scenes of war, amidst the tempestuous emotions of the human soul, whilst the sons of tyranny and vio- lence are attempting to spread horror and desola- tion all around them, it would hardly be expected that a person should be capable of paying any considerable degree of attention to the common calls of private business, unless it be those narrow souled wretches whose utmost wishes terminate in private interest, and their personal ease. These are motives which every man who possesses prin- ciples of honor and generosity would despise from his heart, and, rather than adopt, would prefer death in its most terrible forms. That there are, however, such men as would willingly sacrifice lives more valuable than ten thousand of their own, yea, would even consent to see the world in ashes, and dance with transport at the flames, if they might establish their own interest upon the ruins, is a truth to which the unhappy civil war, which is now shedding the blood of our countrymen, bears a melancholy testimony. " I have, however, you see, improved a few moments, and I think them well employed too, in sitting down to write a few lines to a place, where I have in happier times which are now past enjoyed many a pleasant hour with many an agreeable friend. I with pleasure recollect them, but though I with reluctance deny myself the happi- ness of peace and tranquillity at home, yet, so long as I retain the least spark of reason or sense, I 1775.] LETTER TO JOHN HANCOCK, ESQ. 53 shall be perfectly calm and contented under my present circumstances, and believe me, not all the luxuries of King George's palace should tempt me to an exchange. Amidst all the miseries which attend the destruction of the sword, I am and shall be happy ; happy, because I am performing my indispensable duty, and I declare I as cheerfully submit to the uncertain fortune of desolating war, as I would offer my service to relieve a fellow- creature from the exquisite pain of a most danger- ous malady. But I have run on so long in this strain, that I shall scarcely be able to say all I intended. Be so kind as to send my skeleton, black jackcoat, and account books, by Mr. Very, if possible, this week." The letter to John Hancock, is dated October 9th. Hancock was at Philadelphia, as delegate to the Congress from Massachusetts : " SIR, At the request of a number of gentlemen employed in the American hospital at Cambridge, I have been prevailed upon, though I cannot boast the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, to assume the freedom of representing to your honor, as President of the grand Congress of the United Colonies, some inconveniences under which we la- bor; and I do it with the greater confidence, when I reflect upon the intimacy of that friendship which I know subsisted between you and a person whose fall 1 have peculiar cause to mourn. Though I most sensibly feel the complicated loss of a friend, 54 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. a patron, and a brother, yet I mean not to avail myself of any advantages which might result from my near connection with him, in my present appli- cation to you. " I have exerted myself, and I trust to some valu- able purpose, to gain an ascendency over the movements of the weaker passions. Though I would deprecate the lazy apathy of the Stoic, yet I would give a kingdom for the fortitude of a philos- opher. I cannot think with some, that the conso- lation which is so much talked of by the ancient philosophers is mere empty speculation, or the production of a sanguine imagination ; for though in spite of our utmost exertions to oppose the me- chanical (if I may so call it) affection of the pas- sions, it will at times beat down all before it, like an irresistible torrent, yet, when reason once re- sumes her seat in the human breast, 'tis ; peace, be still,' arid each tumultuous surge complies. " The sincere tears of a sympathizing country, the heartfelt satisfaction arising from a full persuasion of the equity of that contest in defense of which he fell a sacrifice, and the assurance that the attes- tations of thousands of unfeigned patriots, have erected a monument to the memory of the dead, which shall remain decorated with the unfading laurels of gratitude and applause ; whilst the guilty enemies of mankind shall hang their heads with shame, and be constrained to ' know he conquered,' have in some measure i smoothed the face of war, and made e'en horrors smile.' " When I am pointed in imagination to a com- 1775.] LETTER TO JOHN HANCOCK, ESQ. 55 parison of these solacing circumstances with the accursed retinue of excruciating tortures which attend the guilty mind ; or with that deathless infamy which blasts the memory of the execra- ble wretch who dares to act confederate with the infernal hosts, in the black design of betraying that country which gave him birth ; I almost felici- tate myself upon the advantage of the contrast. The event which has given origin to this last reflection, you can be no stranger to. It is a deplorable truth that the flame of indignation has flashed like lightning through the country. God grant there may not be cause for its proving more permanent " Dr. Foster is appointed temporary Director of the hospital, and the care which in consequence devolves upon him renders him incapable of attend- ing to the business, which, as I have the honor to be next on the establishment, I am requested to perform. The suspension of the late Director from his station, has put us into great confusion, by reason of our not being able to acquaint ourselves with the particulars of the institution. We cannot obtain any information from him. We have been for some time past expecting warrants from the Continental Congress, but have not yet received them. We should be extremely gratified by having them expedited to us, or some directions which might remedy the inconveniences we expe- rience from the fluctuating state we are at present in. The gentleman above referred to informed us that he was about to write to the Congress, recom- 56 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 22. mending an additional appointment of two to the present number of surgeons, four only being al- ready appointed, by which means it happens that two gentlemen at present officiate as chief surgeons at Roxbury, under an uncertainty with regard to their continuance, and are very importunate either to be confirmed or receive a dismission. There are four houses here, appropriated to the purpose of receiving the sick and wounded in Cambridge, by the names of the Washington, Putnam, Lee, and Convalescent Hospitals, all of which contain, at present, about three hundred and fifty patients, being all the sick of the army in Cambridge, excepting such as are so slightly ill as to be at- tended with convenience in camp. The number is rather upon the decrease, and but a small number have hitherto died. " Three houses are improved for the same purpose at Roxbury ; the number of sick and wounded I cannot ascertain. Those surgeons who are already appointed are stationed in the several houses in Cambridge ; the two who stand candi- dates attend to those at Roxbury. We cannot ob- tain information whether the appointments are to receive the sanction of the Congress, or whether the Director was invested with a discretionary power to make them, without a necessity of their being ratified by any other authority. The only person here from whom we could expect an answer to our queries is secluded from the whole world, and no person is admitted to an interview with him. 1775.] LETTER TO JOHN HANCOCK, ESQ. 57 " Another article, to which, if I am not too tedi- ous, I would beg your attention, is our deficiency with regard to medicines. We are already desti- tute of a number of capital articles, and I fear the difficulty, perhaps the Impracticability of importing a sufficiency, will increase the scarcity. It is an observation of an approved author, that there is scarcely an inhabited part of the globe that is not supplied by internal sources, with all the necessa- ries of life. The country we live in produces as great a variety of vegetable, animal, and, perhaps, mineral substances, as any we are acquainted with. Sure we are that it produces all the necessaries in a dietetical way. Few, I fancy, of those articles which are necessary for subsistence, are procured by commerce. If Nature has wisely and admirably adapted the qualities of our food to that particular temperament of the human body which depends upon the constitution of the climate, together with other circumstances naturally connected with it, may we not by an analogical mode of reasoning infer, that she has been equally careful to make provision for the demands of those diseases to which we are incident. A considerable proportion of those substances which have either been ex- amined by a chemical analysis, or by reasoning a posteriori from their effects upon animal bodies, have been found to be powerfully medicinal. It is well known that researches of this kind have been much neglected by the English inhabitants of this continent. Gentlemen of ample fortunes have not been willing to forego the pleasures of ease and 58 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. affluence for the painful labors of such inquiries, whilst those in more indigent circumstances have been necessitated to confine their attention particu- larly to employments more immediately curative. It may, perhaps, be an object worthy attention, whether, at a time when the most inestimable blessing we enjoy, next to that for which we are now unitedly contending, is exposed to the most imminent danger, some public institution, for the purpose of prosecuting inquiries of this kind, might not be of utility, not only considered with a view to the present exigency, but also as an economical mode of policy for augmenting the importance of the colonies. " I would humbly submit it to your superior judgment, whether the expense of such an estab- lishment might not be amply compensated by the advantages that would (especially if it should be necessary for a standing army to be kept up for any considerable time) accrue from it. It is the opinion of many judicious persons, that this re- source might be used to such advantages, as to produce a considerable supply of valuable medi- cines. But I suspect that no very rapid progress will be made in this branch of economy, till it shall become the special care of the public. Some few articles which are in present use amongst us, are such whose virtues have been hit upon, rather by mere accident, than any intentional inquiry into their medicinal properties. " A variety of articles, the natives of this country, might be mentioned, which are indued with the 1775.] LETTER TO JOHN HANCOCK, ESQ. 59 most active qualities ; suffice it to mention one. The bark of the willow root has been found of late (and I have repeatedly experienced it) to answer many intentions of the Peruvian bark, one of the most important articles in the whole materia med- ica ; and of which the demand has, of late, been so great, that it has got to be one of the most ex- pensive medicines. " I have only offered a few hints upon this sub- ject ; not doubting but you will, if you think the matter of sufficient importance, pay particular at- tention to it ; sat verbum sapienti. I doubt not but your candor will excuse the prolixity and tedi- ousness of my letter, when I plead that the sole motive which induced me to protract it to such a length was a hearty wish to contribute my mite to the salvation of my country. " If your honor can attend to the care of trans- mitting the regulations for the hospital to us at Cambridge speedily, it will greatly conduce to the benefit of the public. In the interim, I am your honor's most obedient and humble servant, " JOHN WARREN. ." Hon. Jonx HANCOCK, Esq." The .willow bark was introduced, has held its place in our Pharmacopoeia, and has been em- ployed with undoubted success in the cure of in- termittent fevers. A crystalline principle has been obtained from it, denominated salicene, much ex- tolled by French, German, and Italian physicians, who at first attributed to it all the virtues of qui- nine. 60 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. The letter appears to have been promptly re- sponded to by the appointment of Dr. Jn. Mor- gan, of Philadelphia, as Director-general of the Hospitals ; who was immediately ordered to Cam- bridge by General Washington ; and who entered very promptly upon the duties of his office. He commenced a new arrangement of the hospital, and instituted a strict examination of all who ap- plied for the offices of surgeons or mates. From the 18th of June, on which day Dr. War- ren records the commencement of intrenchments on Winter and Prospect Hills, the Journal is silent until November. The arrangements necessary in establishing a new hospital, the charge of the sick, and the forming of acquaintances with his future colleagues, as well as examining applicants, left him little time for keeping a daily record. Autumnal fevers prevailed very much in the army, and dysentery was very severe and very fatal. On the 4th of November, he records the news of the taking of Chamblee by the French. The siege was laid on the 16th of October, and the garrison surrendered as prisoners of war on the 18th, after forty hours' engagement with cannon. This intelligence was, of course, very encourag- ing to the Americans at this moment. Although of no direct advantage to them, the news of a serious disaster to their powerful enemy was in- spiriting to those who had been in the habit of believing in the almost invincibility of British arms. " Friday ', 10//J November. A party of regulars, 1775.] JOURNAL. 61 supposed about two hundred and twenty, came off' from Charlestown in boats, and steered to Lech- mere Point at high water, when the point was surrounded with water, so that our forces, in getting up to them, waded up to their shoulders. We soon drove them off, with Colonel Thompson and his rifle battalion. We had one man badly wounded with grape shot. The cannon fired very briskly whilst I was down there. They carried off with them eight or ten cattle, and one or two of the sentinels, with the guns and tent. It is sup- posed our muskets wounded numbers, some of our men believed, badly. "November 2'2d. This day, at evening, a party of men under command of Major-general Putnam begin an entrenchment on a hill called Cobble Hill, northeast of Prospect Hill." I find the following order from Dr. Morgan to "Dr. Warren, or the Orderly Surgeon of the week " : " As Dr. Foster was Orderly the last week, I take it for granted that Dr. Warren is for the present. "The Orderly Surgeon is hereby directed to repair immediately but with all secrecy to Cobble Hill, with five Orderly Mates, a case of amputating instruments to each person, plenty of lint, tow, and bandages, for a brisk action, at least two or three hundred if in readiness ; a case of crooked needles, and a number of compresses. Let a sec- ond surgeon and mates be ready to follow if sent for. But at least two surgeons and the remaining 62 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 22. mates should stand fast, nor by any means leave the hospital. For the convenience of bringing the above apparatus, apply to Mr. Carries to rig out a chair; and by no means spread any alarm or suifer more mates to leave the hospital than directed. As Mr. Hammond, at Washington House, expected me at this time, let him know I can't see him until to-morrow. Monday evening, G% o'clock." It appears evident from the letter of Dr. Mor- gan, as well as from the Journal, that a pretty smart skirmish perhaps a second Bunker Hill conflict was expected. Greatly to the surprise of the Americans, the work not only proceeded through the first night without interruption or annoyance, but the}'' were allowed to resume it ; and they completed it, on the second night, with- out receiving a single shot. It was said to be the most perfect piece of fortification that the Ameri- can army had constructed during the present cam- paign. It received the name of Putnam's impreg- nable fortress. Washington seemed much sur- prised at the inactivity of the enemy, which he could only account for, by supposing that they contemplated some important enterprise. The situation of the American army at this moment was exceedingly critical. It is probable, however, that the unexpected resistance they met with at Bunker Hill had daunted for a time the British commanders, and led them to imagine the Ameri- can resources much greater than they really were. 1775.] JOURNAL. 63 "December 16. We have the news, though not directly, that Quebec has surrendered to Colonel Arnold. We shall soon know farther. '" 19//Z. They threw about twenty shells from their battery, opposite the Point on all the preced- ing night." " 2Sth. This night an expedition to Bunker Hill was projected by General Sullivan, who had drawn out one hundred and seventy volunteers from each regiment in his brigade. They marched near the Neck, whilst another party from Cobble Hill at- tempted going over upon the ice ; but several of our men having unhappily fired their guns, and the ice, as is said, not being sufficient to bear them, the expedition failed. " N. B. Even after the setting of the moon, it was much too light, and the evening remarkably calm. The attempt was made about three o'clock in the morning." CHAPTER V. JOURNAL. JANUARY, 1776. Journal continued. Visit to Salem. Miss Grafton's Note. Strict Medical Examinations. Dr. Hayward's Letter. Dr. Morgan's Letter about Purchases. Miss Morgan's Letter. Journal con- tinued. John Warren's Deposition about Poisoned Medicine. Feelings at Sight of the Battle-ground. Journal resumed and ended. Washington detaches a Regiment to New York. John Warren sets out for New York, May 11. Dysentery among the Troops at New York. Plot formed by the Tories. Miss Grafton'e Letter. 66 TTOW different is the state of affairs this New Year from that of the last ! A whole empire involved in the calamities of civil war ; Great Britain with her fleets and army obstinately determined to reduce the colonies to absolute sub- jection, and the colonies resolutely 'determined, almost to a man, to oppose with arms their ty- rannical depredations. Blood and slaughter are stalking over the once peaceable shores of America. Affairs remain at this moment very peaceable. According to the intelligence from Boston, their number in the town cannot be more than six thousand, and about six hundred at Bunker Hill." About this time, my father found leisure for a visit to Salem, in compliance with the following note from Miss Grafton : " My compliments with the rest of the family to 1776.] DR. HAYWARD'S LETTER. 65 Dr. Warren, and should be glad if he would come and spend an evening with us, if he has not forgot that there is such a family in Salern. This note comes by Mr. Foster, a very agreeable gentleman. He is with us at present with whom you may spend the evening with yours, etc." A letter from Dr. Lemuel Hayward, January 23d, is addressed to Dr. Warren, at Mr. Grafton's, Salem. Dr. Thacher has portrayed the strictness of the surgical examinations at this time. He re- lates the instance of a candidate under examina- tion, who was agitated into a state of perspiration, and, on being asked by what means he would pro- duce a sweat in the treatment of rheumatism, he replied, " I would have him examined before a medical committee." The letter shows the impres- sion that prevailed with regard to these examina- tions, and the anxiety of Dr. Hayward, lest the candidates he was interested in, should be fright- ened out of their self-possession. " SIR, Dr. Morgan politely invited me to as- sist in the examination of the mates, but as Dr. Aspinwall is sick, 'tis impossible. Must, therefore, beg you to use the greatest candor towards the gentlemen that wait on you to-day. They have both attended the hospital with the greatest fidel- ity, and as to their abilities I submit to you, but I presume you will find them equal to their place. I was going to ask you to propose questions to them in such a manner that they may not be daunted, but I am too well acquainted with your 66 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. disposition, not to expect everything that I can wish." A letter from Dr. Morgan, January 31st, finds him still at Salem, Boston being in the possession of the enemy, Charlestown burnt ; Salem must have been the principal mart for purchases. " DEAR SIR, I received yours of yesterday. I am afraid of not being able to meet with an oppor- tunity of answering it, as I know of no conveyance by which to send it. However, shall have it in readi- ness, in case any opportunity offers. Dear as it is, I would have you engage a couple of sides of the leather, which you say the saddler says he can spare you. Nay, if he can make shift to spare a third side, I would be glad to have it, as I fear it will not grow cheaper by delaying to get it. If you think the woolen webbing strong enough for tourniquets, I should be glad to have a piece, if the price is reasonable ; otherwise, omit it for the present, or secure it as you think most advisable. I have no doubt we can get some made nearer at hand than Salem, by taking a little pains. I am, dear sir, your most humble servant. JOHN MORGAN." This letter shows that economy was duly consid- ered in the hospital arrangements. The spirit of Washington pervaded every department. His habits of business led him to attend to minutiae, so as sometimes to give annoyance to individuals who were willing to put a little into their own 1776.] LETTER FROM MISS GRAFTON. 67 purses, while laboring for the public good. Dr. Warren seems to have taken the advantage of a leisure period to make this visit to Salem for neces- sary purchases, and for settling up some of his affairs, which his hasty departure must have left at loose ends. Miss Grafton writes to him, after his return, February llth: " Having an opportunity by Mr. Very, I send you your box of medicines, which I wish safe to your hand. I sent you yesterday, by Mr. Flagg, one pair of boots from Mr. Cheevers, which I hope you have received. Your other boots and shoes I have not yet received, but shall take care to send them when they are done, by the first opportunity. Molly has been very sick, and has kept her chamber, ever since you left us, but we are in hopes her illness is going off. Had it continued, we must have sent for you. Oh that you could abide in Salem ! But, I fear we shall never have that pleasure again. I wish we may, but if not, we must be content. I heartily wish you happi- ness wherever you go, and a blessing attend you. I expect to hear from you by Mr. Fox, when he returns. Our family all give their kind love to you, particularly Molly. " P. S. I send you a mess of potatoes . by the de- sire of Captain Foster. These potatoes are all for you; don't give any of them away." Dr. Warren had returned to Cambridge. The season of comparative quiet was over. The Americans were beginning to prepare for active 68 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. operations. The works around Boston had been made very strong. He continues his Journal : " We understand that, notwithstanding the mili- tary operations of the day, Mr. Peter Thacher, A. M., delivered a very elegant and spirited oration to commemorate the bloody tragedy of the fifth of March, 1770, at the meeting-house at Water- town ; and that it was voted to be printed. "By persons from Boston, we learn that the enemy are making great preparations to evacuate that town ; destroying their carriages and provi- sions of all kinds, and embarking with all their ordnance and military stores, as well as other effects belonging to the Tories; together with those which the soldiers, notwithstanding the ex- ertions of their general to prevent it, had plun- dered from the houses which were vacated. In consequence of this intelligence, together with other contained in the packet for General Howe, taken by our privateer, our army is ordered to prepare for marching. " 15/^. The rifle battalion, under Colonel Thomp- son, march from Cambridge, as it is said, for New York." It was now ascertained that the enemy were making active preparations to evacuate the town ; a step, which it seems, General Howe had re- solved upon some time before. General Washing- ton continued on his guard ; taking steps to accel- erate their motions. On the 16th March, a strong detachment was sent to Nook's Hill to fortify it. The English, having cannonaded it through the 1776.] JOURNAL. 69 night without effect, resolved to evacuate the town without delay. This was soon after accomplished without oppo- sition from Washington, and my father had an opportunity of witnessing the condition of their deserted camps. He gives an interesting account of the result of his observation. Journal, March 17th. " This morning, all the soldiers belonging to Bunker Hill were seen to be marching towards the Ferry ; soon after which, two men went upon the hill, and finding the forts entirely deserted by the enemy, gave a signal. Upon this, a body of our forces went in and took possession of Charlestown. At the same time, two or three thousand men were paraded at the boats at Cambridge, for the purpose of going to Boston? if there should appear any possibility of opposi- tion from the regulars. The boats carried the men to Sewall's Point, where they landed. Upon intelligence received from the selectmen, who had come out from Boston, that all the troops had left, only a small body of men, who had had the small- pox, were selected from several regiments to take possession of the heights in town. Being one of the party, by permit from the general, I had an opportunity of seeing everything, just as it was left about two hours before, by the enemy. Two redoubts, in the neighborhood of Mi , ap- peared to me strong. There were two or three half-moons at the hill, at the bottom of the com- mon, for small arms, and there were no embrasures at the redoubts above mentioned. 70 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. "Just by the shore, opposite Lechmere Point, is a bomb-battery, lined with plank, and faced with a parapet of horse-dung, being nothing but a simple line. Near it lies a thirteen-inch mortar, a little moved from its bed. This is an exceedingly fine piece, being, as I am sure, seven and a half inches thick at the muzzle, and near twice that over the chamber, with an iron bed all cast as one piece. The touch-hole was spiked. Just above it, upon the ascent of the hill, was a three gun battery of thirty-two pounders. The cannon are left spiked up, and shot driven into the bores. There was only a simple line, being plank filled with dirt. "Upon Beacon Hill were scarcely more than the fortifications of nature, a very insignificant, shal- low ditch, with a few short pickets, a platform, and one twenty-four pounder, which could not be brought to bear upon any part of the hill. This was left spiked up, and the bore crammed. " On Copp's Hill, at the North, was nothing more than a few barrels filled with dirt, to form para- pets, and three twenty pounders upon platforms, left spiked and crammed. All these, as well as the others, were on carriages. The parapet on this fort, and on Beacon Hill, did not at all cover the men who should work the cannon. There was a small redoubt behind for small arms, very slender, indeed. "At Fort Hill, there was only five lines of barrels filled with earth, very trifling, indeed. Upon the Neck, the works were strong, consisting of re- doubts ; numbers of lines, with embrasures for 1776.] JOURNAL. 71 cannon, a few of which were left as the others ; a very strong work at the old fortification, and another near the Haymarket. All these were ditched and picketed. At Hatch's Wharf was a battery of rafters, with dirt and two twelve pound- ers left as the others. One of these I saw drilled out, and cleaned for use, without damage. " A great number of other cannon were left at the north and south batteries, with one or both trunnions beat off; shot and shells in divers parts of the town ; some cartridges ; great quantities of wheat, hay, oil, horses, and other articles, to the amount of a great sum. The houses, I found to be considerably abused inside, where they had been in- habited by the common soldiery; but the external parts of the houses made a tolerable appearance. The streets were clean, and upon the whole, the town looks much better than I expected. Several hundreds of houses were pulled down, but these were very old ones. The inhabitants, in general, appeared to rejoice at our success, but a consider- able number of tories have tarried in the town, to throw themselves upon the mercy of the people. The others are aboard with the shipping, all of which now lies before the castle. They appear to have gone off in a hurry, in consequence of our having, the night before, erected a fort upon Nook Hill, which was very near the town. Some cannon were fired from their lines, even this morning, to the Point. " We now learn certainly, that there was an inten- tion, in consequence of a court martial, held upon the occasion of our taking possession of Dorchester 72 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. Hills, to make an attack ; and three thousand men, under the command of Lord Percy, went to the castle for the purpose. It was the intention to have attacked us, at the same time, at Roxbury lines. It appears that General Howe had been very careful to prevent his men from committing depredation, and that he, with the other officers, had a high opinion of General Washington ; of the army in general much higher than formerly. Lord Percy said, he never knew us do a foolish action yet, and, therefore, he believed we would not induce them to burn the town, by firing upon the fleet. They say they shall come back again soon. The small-pox is in about a dozen places in town. " '2Qth. This evening they burn the castle, and demolish it, by blowing up all the fortifications there. They leave not a building standing. " 21sjf. Our men go upon the castle, and begin to erect new fortresses, as they had begun a day or tw r o before, on Fort Hill. The fleet all fall down into Nantasket Road. The winds have been fair for them to sail, but their not embracing the oppor- tunity favors a suspicion of some intended attack. It seems, indeed, very improbable, that they will be willing to leave us in so disgraceful a manner as this. It is very surprising that they should not burn the town, when they had it so entirely in their power to do it. The soldiers, it appears, were much dissatisfied at being 'obliged to leave the town, without glutting their revengeful tempers with the blood of the Yankees. "This day I visit Charlestown, and a mostmelan- 1776.] JOURNAL. 73 choly heap of ruins it is. Scarcely the vestiges of those beautiful buildings remain to distinguish them from the mean cottages. The hill, which was the theatre upon which the bloody tragedy of the 17th of June was acted, commands the most affecting view I ever saw in my life. The walls of magnificent buildings tottering to the earth below; above, a great number of rude hillocks, under which are deposited the remains, in clusters, of those deathless heroes, who fell in the field of battle. "The scene was inexpressibly solemn, when I considered myself as walking over the bones of many of my worthy fellow-countrymen, who jeoparded and sacrificed their lives in these high places. When I considered that, perhaps, whilst I was musing on the objects around me, I might be standing over the remains of a dear brother, whose blood had stained these hallowed walks, w r ith what veneration did this inspire me ! How many endearing scenes of fraternal friendship, now past and gone forever, presented themselves to my view ! But it is enough. Oh, may our arms be strengthened to fight the battles of our God ! "When I came to Bunker Hill, I found it exceeding strong, the front parapet about thirteen feet high from the bottom of the trench, composed of earth contained in plank, supported by huge timber, with two look-outs upon the top. In the front of this, were two bastions, and a semicircular line, with very wide trenches and very long pickets, as well as a trench within the causeway, was secured with a and brush. All that part of the 74 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 23. main fort which was not included with high works, as above mentioned, viz., the rear, was se- cured with another parapet, with a trench pick- eted inside as well as out. There was a half-moon which commanded the river, at the side. There was, morever, a block-house upon School-house Hill, inclosed by a very strong fence, picketed, and a dungeon and block-house upon Breed's Hill, inclosed in a redoubt of earth, with trenches and pickets. The works which had been cast up by our men, were entirely leveled." It is evident that, at this time, the body of Joseph Warren had not been discovered. He was buried hastily in the trenches, on the morning after the battle. Some time after, an Englishman, who had witnessed the burial, informed the brothers of the locality, and my father and his brother Eben went with him to the spot, where the remains were disinterred, recognized, and brought to the State House. From here, they were carried with mili- tary and masonic honors to the King's chapel, and deposited in the tomb of Judge Minot. It was not intended that all the materials left behind, should benefit the Continental troops. My father had occasion to make the following de.posi- tion, before James Otis, Esq. : "I, John Warren, of Cambridge, physician, testify and say, that on or about the twenty-ninth day of March last past, I went into the work-house of the town of Boston, lately improved as a hospi- tal' by the British troops, stationed in said town, and, upon examining into the state of a large 1776.] JOURNAL. 75 quantity of medicine, there by them left, particu- larly in one room supposed to have been by them used as a medicinal store-room, I found a great variety of medicinal" articles lying upon the floor, some of which were contained and secured in papers, whilst others were scattered upon the floor, loose. Amongst these medicines, I observed small quantities of what, I supposed, was white and yellow arsenic intermixed ; and then received information from Dr. Daniel Scott, that he had taken up a large quantity of said arsenic from over and amongst the medicine, and had collected it chiefly in large lumps, and secured it in a vessel. Upon receiving this information, I desired him to let me view the arsenic, with which he complied, and I judged it to amount to about the quantity of twelve or fourteen pounds. Being much surprised by this extraordinary intelligence, I more minutely examined the medicines on the floor, and found them to be chiefly capital articles, and those most generally in great demand ; and, judging them to be rendered entirely unfit for use, I advised Dr. Scott to let them remain, and by no means meddle with them, as I thought the utmost hazard would attend the using of them. They were accordingly suffered to remain, and no account was taken of them. JOHN WARREN. " COLONY OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY, WATERTOWN, ss. "April 3d, 1776. " Then John Warren made solemn oath to the truth of the above written deposition. " Before me, JAMES OTIS, " Justice of Peace through the said Colony." 76 LIFE' OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. The depositions of Daniel Scott and Frederick Ridgely were also taken, and ordered by the Gene- ral Court to be published in the Watertown news- paper. English and foreign medicines were, as we have l_> O 9 seen, greatly in demand, and extensive injury might have been done, by the use of those left in the condition above described. But those injured would only have been the invalided, upon whom civilized nations do not make war, so that this could hardly have been the act of British officers, medical officers, especially. It is much more probable that it was the malice of subordinates or camp followers. The recent sad experiences of many, will lead them to realize somewhat of the feelings with which Dr. Warren viewed the battle-ground of Bunker Hill. Indignation at the ministerial measures which had caused the devastation before him, some pride at the successful or obstinate resistance which had been made to the oppressors, the feeling of his own loss, and the sufferings of his mother, blended with exaltation in the glory of his brother, the consciousness that that brother had well done his work, and laid with his blood the foundation for American freedom; these feelings were combined with hopes and fears for the issue of the struggle just commenced. The view before him, displayed what a few months before could hardly have been contemplated in the imagination the stern reali- ties of war, stripped from its fierce excitement. Journal, March 24^. "A fort is ordered to be erected upon Charlestown Point, immediately, and 1776.] DR. WARREN AT BUNKER HILL. 77 the works of the enemy upon Boston Neck to be immediately leveled. The army is also ordered to be in readiness for the enemy, as the tarrying in Nantasket Roads, after so fair an opportunity of sailing, gives us reason to suspect them. " 26//J. About this time, the chief part of the enemy's fleet put off under sail, it is generally sup- posed, immediately for Halifax. The erecting of a fort upon Fort Hill, goes on slowly, but it will be very strong." As soon as the enemy manifested the intention of evacuating Boston, on the 15th of March, Gen- eral Washington detached the rifle regiment of Colonel Thompson, from Cambridge, to proceed to New York, which he thought probable would be the next destination of the fleet. He could not easily bring himself to believe that the British commanders would go away, without making some attempt at retrieving their ill success, and it was thought, for some time, that they might return. It is very possible that they may have delayed, in the hope of taking advantage of any careless- ness or neglect, which the joy of deliverance from the hostile forces might occasion, but Washington was of too wary a nature to give easy credence to appearances. Boston was put at once into a state of defense. The militia and volunteers from the neighboring country were, however, considered sufficient for its protection, and the army pro- ceeded by detachments to New York. Washing- ton arrived there on the 13th of April. All the sick, wounded, and invalids, were left 78 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. I AGE 23. behind in the hospital at Cambridge. My father, and some of the other surgeons were, therefore, detained there, until the llth of May, when he set out, probably on horseback, for New York, in company with Dr. McKnight, Blanchard, and James Clark. The army had arrived in New York in perfect health, and at first, took up their quarters in barracks, and in the houses of the citizens. About the first of May, they all went into tents, with the exception of the twenty-second regiment, which, for want of tents, continued in their quarters in Smith Street. About the middle of the month, over one hundred men were taken down with dysentery in the space of one week. There was not a case besides, in the army or city. Those who lived in the same street, many in the same houses, were entirely free from it. On inquiry, Dr. Beardsley, the surgeon of the regiment, who gives this account in a private letter, ascertained that those among whom this disease prevailed, lodged either in garrets or under- ground rooms, which were fewer than usual, in proportion to the number of occupants. The cause of the disease, therefore, was the close and putrid air of these rooms. On Dr. Beardsley's representing the matter to the Colonel, Samuel Wyllis, he ordered the men, both sick and well, to be removed into larger and more airy apartments. The effect was immedi- ately apparent. No more were taken ill, and those 1776.] TORY PLOT. 79 previously ill recovered with the exception only, of one or two deaths. These circumstances are worth noting, as bearing upon the condition of our army at the time, and as showing the superior healthiness of camping in tents, to lodging in houses, where troops are liable to be placed in crowded, ill venti- lated rooms. They furnish also a good hint with regard to the treatment of dysentery, which may not be always sufficiently regarded. Dysentery was the most formidable disease of our army at the East. In Roxbury and Cambridge, it prevailed extensively. We can hardly realize now, how much this disease was dreaded in the time of my father. In the army, at least, it had all the char- acters of contagion. About the middle of June, a plot was discovered in New York, formed by the tories. They designed to take up arms suddenly, and cooperate with the British troops on their arrival. Governor Tryon, who had taken refuge on shipboard, the mayor of New York, and some of Washington's own body- guard, were involved. The general, it is supposed, was to be the first victim. He, however, received seasonable information; the mayor, David Mat- thews, and other suspected persons were arrested. Thomas Hickey, one of the body-guard, was tried, convicted, and executed. The plot was thus frus- trated, but it produced the greatest excitement all over the country, and the wildest rumors prevailed in regard to it. The subject is alluded to, in the next letter from 80 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. Miss Grafton. It may possibly be thought that I give too many private letters, and some of no great importance, but it is by showing the familiar inter- course held with friends, by showing how those friends acted, and spoke, or wrote, that we give the best idea of the person himself. We show not only himself, but the friends with whom he held converse, and how they regarded him. It is possi- ble also, that there may be friends or descendants of these writers, who rnay take a personal inter- est in these letters. This letter is dated July 6. " MUCH ESTEEMED FRIEND, I received your kind and agreeable letter, to the great joy and satisfac- tion of all the family, for we longed to hear from you. The great distance we are at, don't make us unmindful of you, for we daily think and talk of you, and should be exceedingly glad to see you, but that I don't expect, at present. Oh that this unnatural war was at an end, which separates friends and acquaintances ; that we might have a happy meeting, and Salem be your happy seat. " But oh, my dear friend, I tremble and fear for you, in the day of battle. But I pray the God of heaven to preserve and keep you from every evil that I fear for you. The cause you are engaged in, I trust, is just and good, and I heartily wish that all that are engaged in it were as sincere friends to their country, as I know you are. Then, we might expect a blessing upon our undertakings. But what can we think, when sin and wickedness so much abound in our army ? 1776.] MISS GRAFTON'S LETTER. . 81 " The melancholy account you gave me of the late discovery, was very shocking, and had they put their hellish plot into operation, what would have become of us? I sincerely hope that alt their wicked desires may be brought to light, and they rnay receive the punishment due to their great crimes. I expect to hear something of great importance that will take place soon, and I shall be very anxious to hear from you. " We are very quiet here at present, and things remain much as they did when you. left Salem. I think the people are much the same. We have been fortifying, and making a new fort, in case we should be attacked by the enemy, but I hope there is no danger at present, as they seem to be engaged at your part of the country. I fear for New York, that you labor under a great disadvantage from the enemy, as they can surround you on all sides. God grant you victory ! " I thank you for the kind regards you expressed in a former letter for the family, and for your good advice, and all favors received from you. All the return I can make, is gratitude and love, which I think I shall not be wanting to express. Let me beg of you, once more, not to enter the field of battle, and when you can leave the army with honor and credit, we shall be very glad to have you come to Salem, " I have no news to acquaint you with of any importance. Our family is in good health, and likewise all our friends, etc. 82 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. " P. S. The family all give their kind regards, and long to see you, and I hope we shall, before winter. I beg you to write again soon. I received your letter about ten days after date." CHAPTER Y. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Declaration of Independence. Small-pox. General Inoculation. Inoculation of General Warren's Children. Eben Warren's Letter. Mrs. Eben Warren's do. Arnold, a Friend of General Warren and his Children. Miss Scollay. Provision for the Children. Samuel Adams. Mrs. Mercy Warren. Letter from Mr. Grafton. A S the British fleet did not appear at New York - ^- until the last of June, the New England States were kept in suspense with regard to their motions. The recent reverses in Canada, and the retreat of the American army, had left the frontier exposed, and occasioned great anxiety. In the mean time, the great step had been taken. The Rubicon was passed, the States had de- clared themselves free. On the ninth of July, the Declaration of Independence was read at the head of each brigade of the army in New York, and was received with great exultation and cheering. The small-pox was prevailing at this time, and orders were given for a general inoculation of the inhabitants and troops in Boston, about the third of July. It is curious to consider this first celebra- tion of Independence in this quarter. General Washington had been inoculated at New York, about the twenty-seventh of June ; Mrs. Washing- 84 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. ton had been previously inoculated in Philadelphia. We must recollect that in 1776, inoculation for small-pox was the production of the genuine dis- ease, only in a milder form. It was no trifling affair, and the patients were obliged to go through a regular course of medical discipline. It was twenty years after, in 1796, that Dr. Jenner vac- cinated his first patient. It became general, in England at least, in 1799, and was introduced here by Dr. Jackson and Dr. Waterhouse, in the latter part of this year. I have already given the letter of Mrs. Mary Warren, dated August 6th, 1776, in which she gives an account of General Warren's children, who are undergoing the operation of the small-pox, in Boston. Several other letters refer to the same- circumstances. The first of these, is from Mrs. Betsey Miller. Her handwriting is better than that of most ladies of this period. Her letter is dated July 22d. " SIR, It is with pleasure I inform you, your niece Betsey is with me. She was inoculated for the small-pox fourteen days agone, and is likely to have it very light. " It was with some difficulty I was favored with her company, as Miss Scollay thought it most proper to take her herself. While in my family, she shall be treated with all the tenderness in my power. I have sent repeatedly for the children to come and see me, but am denied, and shall not repeat the request. I hear they are not to return 1776.J LETTER FROM EBEN WARREN. 85 to Roxbury, but to board at Mr. Scollay's. Should that be the case, I don't expect ever to have the pleasure of seeing them. However, if this is for their good, I desire to submit. I had thoughts of keeping Betsey this summer, if agreeable to you and her friends at Roxbury, to go to school, and fixing her up in a proper manner, as she is in want of many things. I have not forgot the last words of your dear brother, concerning the children. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you by return of post. Adieu, sir. May every happiness attend you. Mr. Miller sends his compliments. " Yours, BETSEY MILLER." The next letter is from Eben Warren, at Rox- bury, dated August 4th. " I received your letter of July 20th, wherein you inform me of your health, and expect, a general attack at New York. I hope you are in a condition to make a spirited opposition, and that you will put to flight all those that may rise up against you, and that you may not long live at so great a distance from us. The children are now under the operation of the small-pox. Betsey, at Mrs. Miller's, almost well. The three younger at Mr. Scollay's, just beginning to break out, though inoculated longer than three weeks ago, by Dr. Bulfinch ; Betsey, by Dr. Joseph Gardner. " As to the article of money, I can do without, but if need be, will let you know. We are all well here, but Mr. Ocington is not likely to continue many days. Mr. Daniel Tucker's wife, is very ill. 86 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. The rest of our family very well. Some of them, I expect, will write you letters which will accom- pany these. No more of importance to write, but desire you to write as often as possible. " I remain your loving brother, "E. WARREN." The next letter is from Mrs. Ann Warren, the wife of Eben, and is dated August 5th. " I received your kind letter of June 21st, in which you inform me of your good state of health, and contentment in your situation. I thank you for your letter, and the notice you take of my little girl, and I fully join with you in laying that foundation in the minds of children, so necessary to render them respectable in riper years. Therefore, depend upon it, nothing shall be wanting, as far as my influence extends, to promote the happiness of the dear little children. They are now under the operation of the small-pox. A full account of them will be transmitted to you by Mr. Warren. " I have no news to write to you, but am in good health, and beg you to continue your favors by writing to me as often as possible, as I shall to you. " I subscribe myself your loving sister, " ANN WARREN." Mr. Eben Warren was then living in Roxbury. He had been two years married. "The children" appear to have been objects of great interest, as it was natural they should be. There seems to have been some jealousy on the part of their friends, as 1776.] BENEDICT ARNOLD. 87 to who should have charge of them. The Miss Scollay, who is here spoken of, was the daughter of John Scollay, and the intimate and dear friend of General Warren. She is said to have been betrothed to him, at the time of his death. She was a woman of great energy and depth of charac- ter, and her zeal in behalf of these children, if nothing else, would seem to have given a claim to the charge of them. " If Congress will do nothing for them," said she, " I will take them by the hand and lead them in person to the President." Among their other ardent friends, was Colonel Benedict Arnold, from whom a letter is given in the biography of Dr. John C. Warren, in which he declares his determination to aid these children, on account of his friendship for their father. He states that he has sent Miss Scollay a sum of money for their benefit ; wishes her to take partic- ular care of the education of Betsey, and have Richard sent to the best school in Boston, at his expense. It is said that it was principally in consequence of the exertions of Arnold, that Congress was induced to provide for them. Congress passed a resolution that "the eldest son of General Warren should be educated at the public expense ; " and subsequently, on the first of July, 1780, a resolve, " that it should be recom- mended to the executive of Massachusetts Bay, to make provision for the maintenance and education of his three younger children, and that Congress would defray the expense to the amount of the half-pay of a Major-general, to commence at the 88 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. time of his death, and continue until the youngest of the children should be of age." Samuel Adams, in reply to subsequent inquiries from Elbridge Gerry and James Lovell, says : " The eldest daughter, a miss of thirteen, is with the Doctor, and he assures me that no gentleman's daughter in this town, has more the advantages of schools than she has at his expense. She learns music, dancing, writing, and arithmetic, and the best needle-work that is taught here." The wife of General James Warren, Mrs. Mercy Warren, who wrote a history of the Eevolution, " was very solicitous that the eldest daughter should pass the winter with her, and desired me to propose it to Miss. I did so, but could not prevail upon her. She said that Mrs. Miller (Mr. Charles Miller's lady), at whose house she then was, did not incline to part with her, and that it would be a breach of good manners, and ungrateful for her, to leave Mrs. Miller against her inclination. I am certain it was Mrs. Warren's intention to give her board and education. You know the distinguished accomplishments of that lady." As Arnold came from Connecticut with a com- pany of volunteers, about the time, or soon after the battle of Lexington, his personal acquaintance with Joseph Warren must have been very brief. Perhaps it was admiration of his ardent zeal and daring courage in a common cause, as well as sympathy for his early death, that led him to speak of him as his friend, and give substantial proofs of his friendship. In after life, I think he must have 1776.] BENEDICT ARNOLD. 89 often wished that a similar fate had been his, and that he had died gloriously in the height of his renown with Montgomery at Quebec, and that the ball which wounded his leg had struck higher up. The name of Benedict Arnold, which is now placed with us by the side of Judas Iscariot, would then have stood with those of James Montgomery and Joseph Warren. It is remarkable that it was at a period in 1776, when, after repeated losses, Arnold's whole soul is said to have been engrossed in the acquisition of wealth and in self-aggrandizement, that he makes this generous proposition, and sends the sum of five hundred dollars to Miss Scollay, for their use. I have dwelt longer upon the subject of these children, than I otherwise should, because after my father's marriage they came to live with him, and formed a part of his family. I may state here, while upon the subject, that Joseph, the eldest son, entered Harvard College at the usual age of fourteen, and graduated in 1786. He died only four years after. Richard, the second son, engaged in mercantile affairs in Alexandria, where he suffered from chills and fever incident to the climate. He returned to Boston, and died in the house of his uncle. Elizabeth married Gen. Arnold Welles, who had become, and always continued an intimate friend of my father, making himself, in fact, as he was by marriage, a member of his family. She died in 1804, without children. Mary married Mr. Lyman, a lawyer of North- 90 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. amp ton. All the children of this marriage died. She afterwards married Judge Newcomb of Green- field, by whom she had one son, Joseph Warren Newcomb. The manner in which the children are spoken of in the preceding letters, to Dr. Warren, prove the interest which he felt in the welfare of these orphans. In 1873, we find him requesting, in a letter to General Washington, that he may be appointed, if possible, to a post near enough to enable him to attend conveniently by correspond- ence to the affairs of his brother's family. In those days, distance was a serious consideration ; both in regard to time and expense. A letter from Mr. Grafton, written July 24th, bears, in some of its particulars, an amusing re- semblance to the letters many physicians receive in these days from those whom they employ to collect their debts. It throws some additional light also upon the profits of Dr. Warren's profes- sional career in Salem. " The favor of your obliging and genteel letter of the first instant, by Mr. Johnstone, I duly re- ceived ; to which I have now to reply : " The business you intrusted me with, is far from being settled. The following is all the money, I have yet received since you left us. " Of Captain White, twenty-seven shillings. Do., of Mr. Richard Ward, for the estate of Mrs. Web- ster, thirty-one shillings, six pence. Do., of Mr. N. Richardson, ninety shillings. 1776.] MR. GRAFTON'S LETTER. 91 a You may rest assured, that nothing on my part shall be wanting to collect the remaining balances, as fast as the nature of the business, and the difficulties of the times will admit of, until I have finished the whole. But should affairs re- main in such a state as they are now in, that time cannot (methinks) be very near at hand. You know, my dear sir, better than I can tell you, how much confidence there is in the honor of mankind, at this critical juncture. Certain I am that there is very little punctuality to be placed among the lower class of people : and as your debts cen- tre mostly in their hands, I am doubtful whether I shall be able to make any great progress while this unfortunate war continues. I hope my con- duct in this matter will be such as to meet your approbation. " I can without compliment or even the shadow of one (my youth and inexperience taken into con- sideration), acknowledge that every letter my aunt or I have had the happiness to receive from your good self, lays me under unspeakable obligations ; particularly your favor in which you gave me your candid advice with regard to my dear broth- er's face. " For this, and every other mark of your esteem, be pleased to accept the warmest sentiments of gratitude, that a heart, conscious of its own un- worthiness, can offer. I have now the pleasure to acquaint you that, through God's goodness, he is in a fair way to do well. Our family are all in health. They long to see you, and as that is 92 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. at present denied, we hope frequently to be fa- vored, from time to time, with letters informing us of your welfare and the state of affairs with you. I thank you, kind sir, for the early notice you were pleased (amidst the multiplicity of your con- cerns) to give my aunt, of the most infernal con- spiracy among the enemies of America. I mean the plans they had concerted in conjunction with the enemy to blow up the magazines ; and to butcher our general officers. God grant that they may meet with their just reward. " Captain Hussey, who arrived at Nantucket from a whaling voyage, was brought to by a sixty-four- gun ship, ten or twelve days since, a little without that island. He was on board her for a few min- utes, and was informed that Lord Howe was in her, bound to Philadelphia. Captain Stone, from St. Peters, confirms the foregoing account. He further informs us, that the day before he left St. Peters, a French man-of-war arrived there from France, who informed him that the Spaniards had declared war against Portugal. Friday last, was brought in here by Capt. John Fisk, in the privateer sloop they call the Pyramids, in the service of this State, an armed schooner, commanded by Captain Guthrage in the service of the King of G. B. " Before they struck to Captain Fisk, they had the captain and one man killed and the master and many sailors wounded. Captain Fisk had one man killed and three wounded, one of which is since dead ; both the others are likely to recover. The schooner had on board eight carriages, gun .... 1776.] MR. GRAFTON'S LETTER. 93 swivels, seventeen half barrels powder, and thirty- two men. Sunday last, was brought in here, by Capt. Peter Lander, in a letter of marque schooner, belonging to Mr. Hasket Derby, a sloop from the West Indies, bound to Newfound- land. Her cargo consists of salt and English goods. "A ship from Jamaica, bound to London, was taken by the above schooner, laden with about four hundred hogsheads of sugar, one hundred hogsheads rum, twenty pipes of wine, and twenty- six pieces of cannon, from four to nine pounders. The ship is supposed to be worth nearly .... thousand pounds sterling. She is not yet arrived. A storeship from Ireland which was blown off the coast last fall, bound to Boston, not hearing that the fleet and army had evacuated it, ran close in with the islands, and came to anchor before she discovered her mistake. The first intimation of her welcome was from a battery erected at Point Alderton ; after receiving a few shots from which she struck. " Yesterday, the officers and privates belonging to the alarm and training bands, mustered for the purpose of enlisting every twenty-eighth man for Quebec. 'Fifty dollars more than the Province bounty was offered, if any one would accept, but no one appeared. A committee was chosen, in order to get men upon the most advantageous terms. They have enlisted twelve, which is eight short of the complement, with which this town is to furnish the Province. " I hope your candor will excuse this prolix and 94 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. hurried scrawl ; but lest I intrude upon your pa- tience, I will take leave, with wishing you success in all your undertakings, and with tenders of my best services. In the interim, I remain, dear sir, your most obedient and sincere obliged friend. " Jo. GRAFTON, JR." The next letter is from Miss Grafton. u DEAR FRIEND, I cannot omit the opportunity of writing to you, to let you hear of the wel- fare of our family and all friends at Salem ; of whom I make no doubt you will be very glad to hear. " I take it very kind of you that you think it worth your while to spend a few moments in writ- ing to me. It gives me and all the family great pleasure to hear from you, and I beg you will con- tinue to write by every opportunity. Don't let the distance we are at be the means of break- ing up the friendship between us ; and since we cannot see one another, let us hear from each other as often as opportunity permits. Let us hope for better times, when the swords shall be beaten into ploughshares, the spears into prun- ing hooks, and the nation learn war no more. May that happy day come when we shall see you again in peace. You wrote me word that you were determined to be content, let you be where you will, and I make no doubt you are so. " I hope you spend your time agreeably with your friends. I was sorry to hear you were upon Long Island j for I thought it would not be so 1776.] LETTER FROM MISS GRAFTON. 95 agreeable to you as New York, and I was afraid you were more exposed to danger. But, let you be wherever you may be called, I commit you to the care of that Being who orders all things ; and so all will be right. " I was much disappointed this week that I had not a letter from you ; as it made me fear some- thing extraordinary had occurred. I wrote to you by the post, a letter which, I suppose, you have received. I shall write again, if I have an opportunity ; but not by post, for I don't think my letters worth paying postage for. I have no particular news to acquaint you with ; except the death of our worthy friend, the Kevd. Mr. Barnard, whose funeral we attended last Wednesday. He was seized with a turn of his old disorder, which carried him off in about a week. The rest of your friends are all well. Joshua is gone to sea, and I expect he will meet with the same fate as he did before ; but as he has gone master, I hope he won't be stripped of all. " Our privateers have taken a number of very valuable prizes, and some among us have made their fortunes. I should be glad to know if you think you shall ever come to Salem again ? If you wait for the war to be at an end, I fear it will be a great while. Be it as it may, whether here or there, I heartily wish you health, happiness, and prosperity a good wife and a good fortune. I am, dear sir, your ever faithful friend to serve. The family all desire to be remembered to you. " SUSANNA GRAFTON." 96 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. The arrival of a British fleet and an attack, and general engagement, was now daily expected. On the 10th of August, Dr. Warren wrote to Dr. Mor- gan as follows : u RESPECTED SIR, I yesterday called on your quarters, but you had just gone out. .1 wished to have some conversation with you, relative to my duty in the time of a battle. We are Jiere, appre- hensive of an attack every hour, and as I imagine that, if I act only in the line of my department at such a time, I should be a very useless person, my situation is extremely disagreeable. I shall feel much happier if permitted to act in a different capacity. " The orders begin by giving full and uncontrol- lable latitude with regard to sending in patients that labor under putrid or infectious diseases, to the regimental surgeons. Hospital surgeons are to have no negative ; but the latter can order none in, without the consent of the former, or, in my case, sending for the director-general, to trouble him with any petty disputes upon the sub- ject ; and if I do not choose to give him that trouble, they gain their point. By these means, regimental surgeons have the sole disposal (I think I may safely say) of all the sick in the whole army. As they have formed a plan for the anni- hiliation of the general hospital, they will make sufficient use of all the advantages given them, to render the situation of the surgeons of it disa- greeable. Wounded patients will be received into 1776.] WILL SERVE AS VOLUNTEER. 97 regimental hospitals, the sick will be sent to the general hospital, to make room for them. Hospital surgeons are quietly to submit to the im- position ; and no provision is made for any remedy. But still, hospital surgeons are to be subservient to them, in taking care of their supplies^ and deliv- ering them out. " If a general hospital is useless or unnecessary, I could wish to be dismissed ; though I would by no means leave the army, until I had served as a volunteer in the approaching decisive battle. We have been easy hitherto, though it has not been the case in the other department : and the effect of their importunity has been success, though contrary to former general orders. " The General, I know, has been much harassed and perplexed already, in this affair. We there- fore shall not trouble him upon it, at present, but I should wish to serve as I have mentioned above. Your answer, if leisure permits, will much oblige your obedient servant, JOHN WARREN." My father had written to his friend Miss Graf- ton, as we have seen, that he was determined to be content in whatever situation he was placed ; but he was not a man to bear, without remon- strance, what he considered injustice towards his fellow officers and himself. The rank of hospital surgeons being superior to that of the regimental surgeons, they could not rightly be placed under the control of the latter. Moreover, it was, of course, proper that those who had charge of the hospital, should have the control of the admissions. 98 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. But the difficulties arising in every department of the newly formed army, were great and perplex- ing. No person but one possessed of the cool, resolute, at the same time, determined character of Washington, could have harmonized the various and conflicting materials of which the army was composed. After the first burst of patriotism, which called men together by a simultaneous impulse, selfish motives would creep in, and each man would ask himself, whether he ought not to obtain some personal reward for the sacrifice he had made. This was felt in the medical depart- ment, as well as in , the others, the regimental surgeons wishing to obtain superiority over the hospital surgeons. Hence the troubles described in my father's letter. At this period, according to Washington Irving, one fourth part of the army were upon the sick list, with bilious and putrid fevers and dysentery. In the present location of the army, the sick could be taken better care of in private houses, and with less danger of spread- ing infection. The young surgeon, burning with the recollec- tion of Bunker Hill, on the eve of an important engagement, pants to take part in the fight, and serve as a volunteer in the ranks, instead of remaining in a position which he fears will be useless. The reply of Dr. Morgan is 1 not preserved, but we may judge of its purport, by a note dated August twenty-third, the day after a partial attack from the enemy, several thousand men having 1776.] BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 99 landed at Gravesend, and driven in Colonel Hand with the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. " SIR, I have sent to the surgeons, desiring the youngest off duty to go to your assistance, and take four mates with him ; to carry over five hundred additional bandages, and twelve fracture boxes. I fear they have no scalpels, as whatever I have committed to the hospitals has always been lost. I send you two, in which case, if you want more, use a razor for an incision knife. Let me know, from time to time, at Long Island. " J. MORGAN. " To DR. WARREN, Surgeon of the General Hospital at Long Island." It thus appears that he was now fully employed, and there was no chance of his being allowed to serve as a volunteer. The destitution of the surgeons in scalpels, is worthy of notice, as well as the substitute recommended. Every man, it is to be presumed, had a razor. From this time to the twenty-seventh of August, the enemy were making their gradual advances. On this day, the disastrpus battle of Long Island took place. Nearly two thousand of the Ameri- cans were among the killed, wounded, or prisoners. Washington made his celebrated retreat one of the greatest events of the war. Junior, it seems, according to the next letter, had anticipated this action, as it often did even before the days of electric telegraphs, of course with exaggerated features. Miss Grafton writes on the twenty-second from Salem : LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. " Having so good an opportunity to write to you by Mr. Page, I embrace it with pleasure, to let you know, I think all will be glad to hear of your health and welfare, for you have not many friends that wish you more happiness than I do. " Joshua and you give me much concern the one exposed to the enemy at sea and the other on the land; but I must leave you both to the care of a kind Providence, who, I trust will preserve you, and keep you from falling into the hands of the enemy. " It was reported, the other day, that there had been a great battle fought at Long Island, and that you had lost five thousand men. We were much concerned on hearing of it, for we expected to hear that you were either dead or taken captive, but the news was soon contradicted. I expect daily to hear that you are called to action ; but if you live through the engagement, as I hope you will, for you need not put yourself in danger unless you choose, pray let us hear from you as soon as you possibly can. Let me beg of you not to go into the engagement, for your friends' sake, if you have no regard to yourself. I hope, when I hear from you, to hear of your success, which I heartily wish. " I am in a great hurry, as we are much engaged in family affairs, but just hearing Mr. Page was going to set out for New York, I could not oiASt giving you a line by him. The family give their love to you, and long to see you." 1776.] LETTER FROM DR. BARTLETT. 101 At East Chester, where Dr. Warren was sta- tioned after the retreat, he received the following letter from Dr. Josiah Bartlett, written on the thirty-first. " GENERAL HOSPITAL, NEW YORK. " SIR, I have put up the medicines you wrote for what was in the store. There was no powdered bark, and .1 have sent the gross. The tartar emetic which is sent, is made here, and bound to be as good as any, although it looks so black. Jalap and rhubarb, we have none. I have put up some sal. cath. as a substitute. The nitre and cream tartar is likewise sent. Dr. Foster de- sires to be remembered to you, and he would have wrote to you himself, but he has so much business on his hands he could not find time to. " Our troops have evacuated Governor's Island, since you went away. It is said they made a scandalous retreat, and left a number of cannon, etc., on the Island. If you should want any more medicines, if you will send, I will put them up if they are in store. " Your most obedient, " J. BARTLETT." The surgeon's hospital duties left him little leisure at this period, to write to his friends. That he was, in general, a good correspondent, may be inferred from such amicable censures, when he did not write, as are contained in the following letter from Miss Grafton, dated 20th September : " DEAR FRIEND, As I have not heard from you 102 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. since the battle of Long Island, we have been very unhappy, for fear you are numbered among the dead, or taken ; but upon all the inquiries that I can make, I cannot learn that you are on the list of the killed, the taken, or the wounded ; so I hope and trust you are still in the land of the living, which I should be exceedingly glad to hear. "What can be the occasion of your not writing? Is it neglect ? No, I think that cannot be the case. It must be hurry of business, or something of importance that you must be engaged in, that you have not had the opportunity. If that is not the case, I take it very unkind, for you must know that we are very anxious to hear from you, after such a battle. We have been in much trouble about you, and are still, to know what your situa- tion is. Pray be so kind as to let us know, as soon as you possibly can. We have various accounts from New York, but I depend upon you for partic- ulars. Our family and friends are well. I sent to you for Mr. Barnard's sword, by . If you have not sent it, please send by Mr. Fox, who brings this. " Your sincere friend, " SUSANNA GRAFTON." There may have been another cause for the failure of letters at this period. My father never thought of himself, and when the sick or wounded were to be attended to, any considerations of his own safety or health were entirely out of the question. In the performance of his surgical 1776.] DESPONDENCY CAUSED BY DEFEAT. 103 duties, he forgot, as he ever did, the precautions necessary for his own health. With his ardent and sensitive temperament, at this period of anx- iety, no personal loss would have affected him so much as this disaster to the army. In exulting over the recollections of our Revo- lution, we forget the disasters and disgraces, the periods of doubt and despondency, before success began to appear clear. In the disaster of Bull Run, and the subsequent despondency of the nation, we may find an illus- tration of the effect produced by such a disaster, at the time I speak of. My father, confident of the justice of his cause, never despaired of the event, but present defeat, shame, and loss, were severely felt. It is true, that owing to the skill and ac- tivity of General Washington, the retreat was ac- complished in a masterly manner. The blunder of an aid-de-camp had nearly caused its failure, but it was saved by the presence of the commander- in-chief. The American troops had fought bravely. Had the hurry of surgical business allowed, I think my father could not readily have brought himself, in the first moments, to give an account of the disaster; and soon after, the fatigue and exposure added to the causes of anxiety and depression, brought on a severe and dangerous illness. On the second of December, Washington writes to the President of the Congress : " Our situation is truly distressing. The check 104 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WAREEN. [AGE 23. our detachment sustained on the twent}'-seventh ultimo, has dispirited too great a proportion -of our troops, and filled their minds with apprehension and despair. The militia, instead of calling forth their utmost efforts to a brave and manly opposi- tion, in order to repair our losses, was dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them had gone off, in some instances, almost by whole regiments, by half ones, and by companies at a time With the deepest concern I am obliged to express my want of con- fidence in the generality of the troops." The illness of Dr. Warren excited the serious apprehension of his friends, and drew forth anxious letters, which evince the esteem in which he was held. One from Dr. Morgan, dated at Kings- bridge, October 4th, shows the regard which the Director-general bore towards him. It is directed to the care of Rev. Mr. Avery, at Rye, Westchester County, New York : " DEAR SIR, I have been very anxious about your illness, and have not known how to write to you but one letter, which I hope came safe to hand. It is with great pleasure I have heard of your recovery, so that your health is likely to be established. I have not yet had the satisfaction of hearing from you. I suppose the reason to be, that you are not yet quite able. I can scarcely tell how to write or where to direct, but do the best I can, at a venture. " If this should have the good luck to reach you, 1776.] LETTER FROM DR. EUSTIS. 105 pray write and let me know how to direct properly to you. I wish you were so far recovered that I could see you, if you were even to return immedi- ately for your complete recovery. I doubt not you will take the earliest opportunity to see me. Dr. Foster is at Newark (with Mrs. Foster) where we have a good hospital. Dr. McKnight is at the widow Delancy's, White House, two miles from Kingsbridge, towards West Chester. Dr. Adams, and Dr. Eustis (whom I have appointed a surgeon also), at Valentine's, two miles from the bridge, on the Boston road. "I am improving the church at East Chester into an hospital. Am now at the White Plains, to carry on some medicine I had sent here, and on my way to Stamford, on a like errand. I shall re- turn to the camp by the way of the White Plains, and call at Mr. Lewis's this afternoon. Wishing you all health, your friend and humble servant, " JOHN MORGAN. " P. S. I have altered my mind, and shall leave this letter on my return." Dr. Eustis had, as we have seen, been early appointed surgeon of a regiment of artillery by recommendation of his preceptor, General Warren. Having accompanied the army to New York, he now received the appointment above -mentioned. He writes a characteristic letter from Delancy's house, dated October 7th : " DEAR JACK, You were really wrong in censur- ing us, for not writing to you. I acknowledge we 106 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 23. might have written, but if you knew but half the vicissitudes (this is the first time I have put pen to paper for so long a time that, ' by Jove, I had forgot how to spell vi, vi, vivi, etc.), I say, if you had a tolerable idea of the various movements we have performed since you left us, you would excuse us not only ; etc. Sat verlum. " It affords real satisfaction to think you are re- covered. I should be extremely happy to see you in camp on many accounts. I rejoice with you that mors pallida manu frustra te tetigit. This is writing. Mr. Glover will deliver this, and pray let him deliver something in return. Come to camp one day sooner, on account of your friend, " W. EUSTIS." " Pray wait on Dr. Foster's lady, and tho', as she is a lady of whose good sense I have a very great opinion, I think she can't be offended at my sending the chests to such place as she should direct. Really, Jack, I should have lost the whole if I had not sent it. We were the last out of York, as I always imagined we should be. I escaped with Colonel Knox. The Hessians honored us with a few shot, but to do them justice, they fire badly. When you come to town (alias to camp), I'll let you know how we retreated, which, perhaps, may not be unamusing. I am ut ante." From Dr. McKnight, October llth:- " DEAR JACK, Not the discovery of land by the long lost wandering mariner, could, to him, 1776.] LETTER FROM HIS BROTHER. 107 afford more hearty pleasure, than the prospect of your recovery yields satisfaction to me. " The dreadful prognostic asserted by Dr. Foster chilled my very soul ; and nothing, my dear Jack, could have so demonstrated or warned me of my attachment to you, but the shocking, racking pros- pect of a long, or an eternal separation from you. " I have long persuaded myself that my feelings were callous, that my sensibility has lain dormant some years ; but , Jack, had that been the fact, the expectation of the tidings of your dissolution would have been nothing more than a Case, owing to the mere frailty of human nature, knowing that we all must die. But happy am I, that the news of your recovery is averred by your own pen. Of accusations, Jack, be silent. I have wrote and rode, but have not seen you. The lowering storm of last Sunday (although the distance of Rochelle in my way) combined with a cursed ill-natured complaint of my bowels, caused my return. Now, Jack, how are the ladies? May I know by your mouth or pen? May I expect to see you? In this hope, I am, and ever will be, "Yours, CHARLES MCKNIGHT." This letter is directed to New Eochelle. His brother's letter from Eoxbury, October 25th, also evinces much anxiety : " DEAR BROTHER, I have not heard anything of you, or from you, since I parted with you at Rye. But I hope by this time you are perfectly recovered. I know not where you are, but shall 108 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [A GE 23. direct this letter to you at the General Hospital near New York. We are all well, but no news to write you. We have just heard of an action near New York, but don't learn the particulars ; which I hope you will transmit as soon as may be. "I arrived here, after -a pleasant journey, the Sabbath evening following. Send us word, as soon as possible, where you are, and how you do. I saw Dr. Stevens last week. I mentioned the money you had to dispose of, which he will be glad of, and will give you good security ; the interest paid when due, and the principal when called for. You may send it, by some careful hand, the first opportunity; and I will take his note or bond for the money, and deliver it to you the first opportunity. " P. S. I think it was five hundred pounds. Our family send their love. " From your loving brother, E. WARREN." There was an attack made by the English army at Throg's Neck, on the twelfth of October, but succesfully resisted by our men. This was proba- bly the one referred to by Eben Warren. Dr. Ste- vens was the father of Mrs. Eben Warren. It is gratifying to learn that at this period, after his severe illness, my father had five hundred pounds to invest. The surgeon's pay was thirty-three dollars, thirty-three cents per month. CHAPTER VII. 1776-1777. PROGRESS OF THE WAR. - MEDICAL OFFICERS. Letter from Dr. Morgan. Letter from Major Giles. Orders from Dr. Morgan. Samuel Glover's Letter. Dissatisfaction with Dr. Morgan. Dr. Craigie's Letter. Mr. Lovell's Letter. Prevail- ing Dissatisfaction with Washington's Fabian Policy. Letter from Dr. Craigie. Letter from Dr. Morgan on Applications for Leave to attend Lectures. Letter from Dr. Eustis. Retreat of the Army through New Jersey. Garnall's Letter from New Bruns- wick. Dr. Warren applies for Office of Sub-Director. General Lee's Discontent. His Capture. armies continued in the neighborhood of each other ; Washington foiling the designs of the enemy, by frequent change of position and by strong entrenchments, occasional skirmishes taking place. Dr. Morgan's next letter is dated from the camp near White Plains, November 2d : " DEAR SIR, When I left Hackensack, I ex- pected to have returned in a few days. The present situation of the armies, posted in full view of each other, forbids me to think farther of it at present ; and, indeed, I find it absolutely necessary to continue with it (our army) so long as the vicinity of the enemy and the prospect of an action continues. I don't yet know the exact 110 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. number of the wounded in the last action, as I have not had my returns made me ; an oversight too frequent on this side, as it is so near at hand. I doubt not you will favor me with an account of everything relative to the hospitals at Hack- ensack. " If any of the regimental surgeons want med- icines, please send them to Mr. Cutting, at New- ark, and apply to Mr. Delamater to pay any accounts you may contract for. I shall desire him, however, to pay you up to August 1st, and all the rest of the gentlemen at the same time. Should be glad if you can favor him with an ac- count of your expenses, at Long Island. Please to favor Mr. Delamater with as many distinct re- ceipts for your pay monthly, as there are months due to you (which I believe to have been from the 31st of May), to 31st of August." A portion of the above letter is lost. Dr. Morgan writes again, the next day, from North Castle : " DEAR SIR, Since I wrote yesterday, the General has given me to understand that a large hospital is to be established on this side. I am to desire you will send up Mr. Ledyard immediately, as I shall want him to go to Stamwood, for the medicines and hospital stores there. Send also Mr. Newel. I find, on looking over the list of Mates, that there are more, by a third, at Newark and Hackensack, than on this side. If you have not hands enough, after sending off those two 1776.] LETTERS FROM DR. MORGAN. Ill Mates, write to Dr. Foster to send two from New- ark; or employ such as offer, and you approve. As that place is so distant from the army, Newark must not receive any more sick ; and as fast as the number of sick lessens there, Mates must be detached for this place, so as to bring all the business of the General Hospital there to a close with all convenient dispatch; of which I shall write word to Dr. Foster. I must beg you will endeavor to procure me a list of the medi- cines for, sale, belonging to Dr. Brownjohn ; and the selling prices. We have not a vomit on this side. Be pleased, therefore, to send some tartar emetic, if to be got, and some jalap and salts. "If Dr. Brownjohn is backwards to sell, let me know; and I will take measures accordingly. I write in haste, and have only to add, that Dr. S. has nothing to do with any hospital under iny care ; and you are not to deliver anything to any person, out of the hospital ; but only to the sick under our care, etc. ; but by an order from the commander-in-chief, or myself, as I have spoken to G. W. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, J. MORGAN." It is curious to look back on the condition of our army at this time. It was for the most part an assemblage of Militia drawn from the different Provinces, and enlisted for a few months only. Many of them chose their own officers ; and con- sequently, in many instances, selected the most 112 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. popular instead of the best qualified ; a course we have recently seen exemplified in the late Re- bellion, a course which resulted in the Race of Bull Run, and the other early disasters of the Rebellion. On the landing of a party of British and Hes- sian troops at New York, the troops left to defend the entrenchments immediately took flight, and communicated their panic to two brigades, who were sent to support them. In vain did Wash- ington try to check them, snapping his pistols, and even drawing his sword to arrest the fugitives. Driven entirely beside himself, he would not leave the field, until compelled by his attendants. The Continental Officers were not, in general, very particular as to their uniforms. Most of the men were very ragged by this time. The officers provided for themselves, pretty much according to their own fancy, and procured their uniform in the best way they could. The following com- mission from Major Giles, while my father was still at Hackensack, seems to come much more within the province of a tailor than a surgeon. It was written from North Castle, November 4th: " SIR, Should be much obliged to you, if you would get me as much blue cloth, as will be sufficient to make me a coat and waistcoat ; like- wise, white Shaloon for lining, and plain white worked buttons : also as much white Corduroy, or any white stuff which you shall think will be proper for a winter waistcoat and breeches, 1776.] DISCONTENT IN THE ARMY. 113 Trimmings. Mr. Church informs me he gave you twenty-four dollars, which I gave Mr. J. Blanchard. Please to send them over as soon as possible. " I am, with regard, your most obt. humb. servt. "Aa. GILES." This letter is directed to "John Warren, Esq., Surgeon in the Gen. Hospital, Hackensack, New Jersey." It has the appearance of a mere busi- ness letter from a stranger, much such an one as a person would write to a tradesman. At this time, as I have already hinted, the first warlike impulses had begun to cool. It is, I be- lieve, an old remark, that war is always popular with the masses, in its commencement. After its hardships, deprivations, and calamities have been realized, a reaction takes place. The ardor ex- cited by indignation at foreign oppression, kin- dled into a blaze of enthusiasm by the events of Lexington and Bunker Hill, was damped by the disastrous event of Long Island. Officers and men became anxious to draw off from the army upon all possible excuses. This disaffection ex- tended to the Medical Corps, added seriously to the troubles of Washington, and called forth the following Order, given by his direction : "To the Regimental Surgeons and Mates, be- longing to the army of his Excellency, General Washington, now absent with, or without, the sick of their respective regiments and brigades, on the West side of Hudson River. 114 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23 " GENTLEMEN, Few of the surgeons or sick allowed to remove from camp, some time ago, being yet returned, and no reports made of them to me; his Excellency, the Commander-in-chief, conceiving that his former indulgence to the sick, in permitting them to retire from the camp for the recovery of their health, has been much abused, both by the sick and by the generality of the Surgeons and Mates, under whose care they are allowed this indulgence ; It is his Excellency's orders, therefore, that each of you do forthwith wait upon Dr. Isaac Foster, Esq., at Newark, or Dr. Warren, Esq., at Hackensack, Surgeons in the General Hospital, whichever is nearest at hand ; and make a faithful and accu- rate report of the state of the sick and wounded under your care ; and remove those who are fit subjects, immediately to the General Hospital un- der their care ; for* which you are to apply to the Quartermaster-general's Department for wagons; and accompany them yourselves. " Such of you as those gentlemen require to assist them for the present in the General Hos- pital, and who are willing to attend their sick there under their direction, are allowed to do so until further orders; all others are to repair immediately to headquarters, and join their re- spective regiments; first furnishing me with an accurate register duly certified, of the state of the sick that went out with them, or have been since under their care ; specifying the times of their being taken ill, their diseases, and events 1776.] ORDERS FROM DR. MORGAN. 115 as to death, recovery, or continuance ; whether any of the sick have been allowed to withdraw from under their care, and when ? as all those who are absent without leave must naturally be looked upon as deserters. And the Surgeons and Mates who cannot give a regular and satisfactory account of the faithful discharge of their duty, necessarily subject themselves to an inquiry into their conduct. " Signed by order and with the approbation of his Excellency, George Washington, Esq., Com- mander-in-chief of the American forces, at the camp near the White Plains, November 4, 1776. "JOHN MORGAN, "Director-general of the General Hospital and Physician-in-chief. " A true copy : J. FOSTER, or J. WARREN, " Surgeon of the General Hospital" The above order from Dr. Morgan was accom- panied with the following : " To DR. JOHN WARREN, ESQ., You are de- sired to get Mr. Delamater to make out ten or a dozen copies of the foregoing circular order to the regimental surgeons, to be forwarded to such as are at Orange County, Tappan, Haverstraw, Paras- mus, Polrey's, etc., under cover, to be communi- cated from one to another, until all the sick are brought in. Let my name be put to the letter, and each copy be certified to be a true copy, either by Doctor Foster or you, as underneath. Send Doctor Foster two or three copies, and retain one in your keeping ; the rest to be sent on as already mentioned. J. M." 116 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. This order and note were in the handwriting of Dr. Morgan, and we may observe the care with which the title of Esquire is given, in an order meant to be formal. Both papers seem to have been inclosed in a full and less formal letter, of a few days later date. " CAMP NEAR WHITE PLAINS, November 7, 1776. " DEAR SIR, As the enemy are now retiring before our army towards New York, and a detach- ment has filed off to harass them, I imagine the chief of the army will follow. Of course, I am more than ever of opinion that Hackensack will be the chief place, or headquarters, for the General Hospital of our army. " I hope, therefore, that you are going on with spirit in enlarging and accommodating suitable quarters for the patients, and that for that purpose you apply to, and receive ample assistance from General Greene and Colonel Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster-general, etc. " You will be pleased to acquaint all the sur- geons of regiments and mates, that went from this army to the Jerseys and Orange County ; in short, all you meet or hear of, that are from camp, and anywhere on the west side of the North River, under a pretext of taking care of the sick or wounded (except such as you require, and who are willing to assist you in the business of the General Hospital at Hackensack), that it is his Excellency's orders, that they make a report of their sick and wounded to you, that they 1776.] ORDERS FROM DR. MORGAN. 117 deliver them up to your care, and return immedi- ately to camp. " As the General's former indulgence in allowing the sick to retire from camp for the recovery of their health, under certain surgeons or mates of the brigade to which they belonged, has been greatly abused, both by the sick and by the surgeons ; insomuch that few of either have re- turned, although the generality of the sick, it is well known, are sufficiently recovered to do duty ; and not one of those surgeons or mates have made any report either to the Commander-in-chief or to me, by which the state of the sick can be known ; they are requested to furnish me with a proper certified register of the state of the sick that went out under their care, a report of the times when any of them deceased, and the recovery of others ; likewise whether any of the sick have been allowed to withdraw from under their care. " All the soldiers who, whether under pretense of sickness or not, are absent without leave, must naturally be looked upon as deserters, and the surgeons or mates, who cannot give a regular and satisfactory account of the faithful discharge of their trust, necessarily subject themselves to an inquiry into their conduct. I shall inclose to you a circular letter to be communicated to the regi- mental surgeons and mates, and directions how to do it, which please to observe. "I am to desire you to examine into the state of the sick who offer to you, and have been long ill, certifying those whom you think will be unfit 118 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. for any further service during the present cam- paign, and that have friends to take care of them, and who are desirous of a discharge, that I may procure it for them. " The enemy are now retreating. I suppose we shall soon follow. I hope, therefore, before it is long, to have it in my power to pay you a visit at Hackensack. Compliments to all friends. Let me have weekly returns, punctually. " I remain, dear sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, JOHN MORGAN." " To Dr. JOHN WARREN, Esq., Surgeon of the General Hospital at Hackensack." It is sufficiently evident from this letter, and the circular and note which accompanied it, that the difficulties which Dr. Warren had complained of were now fully remedied. The circular above, if there was nothing else, requires the regimental surgeons to report to Drs. Foster and Warren, and to act under them at the hospital. They are virtually subordinated to the hospital surgeons. The next letter, dated November 5, from Samuel K. Glover, shows some of the difficulties which were experienced by officers of the army at this period : " DEAR SIR, As it is very expensive living at present, in the army, eyery article of food being sold at so high a rate, all of which I am obliged to buy, except meat and bread, so that it overbal- ances my rations, and I am in such a condition as to clothes (of which I need not mention the price) 1776.] PECUNIARY EMBARRASSMENTS OF OFFICERS. 119 that I am ashamed to go into gentlemen's com- pany, because of my rags, and, no doubt, they as much of me as I am of myself. Having consid- ered these circumstances, I think it necessary for me to make a proposal which will be of infinite service to rne, and of no disadvantage to you, viz. : for you to relinquish to me my pay while we tarry in the army, and that time I will make up to you, after we leave the service. By complying with this request, you will, much oblige your humble servant, SAMUEL K. GLOVER." The great perils of a nation call forth the patri- otism of all her citizens, not absolutely debased by avarice or self-indulgence. Patriotism spreads lil^e wild-fire, and takes the place of luxury or love of show. In the fervor of the moment, men are ready to give all they possess for the common cause. But the first effort over, especially after delay or reverse, and they see no immediate fruit from-their efforts, they begin to ask themselves, " If I have made sacrifices, why should I not be rewarded as well as another." Then comes the struggle for office. As it was in the days of Queen Elizabeth it is now, and was in the time of our Revolution. General Washington could not know, nor could the heads of departments under him, the qualifica- tions of all who applied for office. With regard to medical appointments, as in others, he was nat- urally disposed to prefer those of whom he had some personal knowledge. 120 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. On this account, it may be, that Eastern men sometimes thought themselves neglected. On the other hand, there must always be many worth- less, designing men, who use the basest arts to obtain situations under government. Some of these are successful, and men who are conscious that they are better qualified, are disappointed, and become hostile to those in power. Dr. Morgan had made the most active exertions to reform abuses in his department, and render it as perfect as possible. It is most likely these very exertions gave offense and occasioned complaints of various kinds. Some dissatisfaction with the Director-general, appears in the following letter from Andrew Cragie, Esq., though Dr. Morgan is not the enemy spoken of. We see, by this letter, that the elec- tric telegraph has been falsely accused, if it has been supposed to be the origin of all false in- telligence in time of war. Falsehood was quite as rife in 1776, as in 1866. Perhaps we have this gain : that Truth does not now have to put on his boots, but may follow Falsehood, pari gressu. Dr. Cragie writes from Fort George, November 5th: " MY DEAR WARREN, Major Stuart arrived here this evening, and sets out early in the morn- ing for your camp. I have long wished to write you, and cannot miss so good an opportunity, al- though it affords me but a few moments. I flat- 1776.] MR. CRAGIE'S LETTER. 121 tered myself much when I came into this depart- ment, from the expectation of a frequent inter- course with many worthy friends at New York. I scarcely know what to attribute it to, that I have been so disappointed. " You cannot conceive how ignorant we are of every transaction in your camp. I am sure if the two armies were as far as the poles from each other, we could not be more so. The channel of intelligence is so clogged with lies, that the truth never reaches us ; and it is a general complaint that the gentlemen at York have entirely forgot their connections here ; or have come into an agreement to answer no letters from this quar- ter. I hope the contrary of this, my friend, with respect to my letters. Pray let me know how things are going, and your thoughts of the situa- tion of affairs. Many gentlemen here are inter- ested in this request to you ; and promise them- selves much pleasure in your compliance. Dr. Brown in particular. "Ever since the last engagement on the Lake we have been in constant expectation of an at- tack at Ticonderoga ; but the enemy has at last gone off without doing anything farther, and it is now believed, as a matter of certainty, that nothing will be done here this season. Major Stuart, I understand, goes express with the intelli- gence to Washington and Congress. " I regretted much when I left New York, that I could not spend a little more time with you. You doubtless heard of the settlement I made with Dr. 122 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. Morgan ? I have only to tell you, that I might have found myself on a fool's errand when I came home ; for I have been made to understand, by the gentleman who has the direction here, that J. M. is not vested with the power of making ap- pointments for this department ; so that in giv- ing me a warrant, he could only promise him- self a temporary riddance of a troublesome person ; and, indeed, he might have some distant hopes of its proving agreeable to the Director here ; but it was an imposition upon me. As it happens, I have made out well, and am exceedingly happy in my situation, but his warrant was no recom- mendation. " I cannot recur .back to a late period when my situation was truly distressing, without sensibly feeling my obligations to a Warren, Me Henry, and others, for their assistance against the attempt of an ungenerous man to ruin me ; and when I re- flect upon the complicated villainies of his char- acter, I cannot restrain my indignation within bounds. A person of elevated station, who aims at distinction, deserves to be distinguished without ears, after prostituting his soul to falsehood and dishonor, as he has done. I say this with sub- mission. " I will make you any returns in my power for the pleasure of a letter. Any information from this quarter that you may want I will procure as far as I can. Bestow only one moment upon an old friend. You see I beg like an emperor. Kemember me to McHenry, Adams, McKnight, 1776.] ARMY DIFFICULTIES. 123 and all my worthy acquaintances, particularly to Eustis. Tell him if he does not answer the let- ter I wrote him a few days since by Mr. Vickors, I shall not easily forgive him. " I have some expectation of seeing York this winter. There is a gentleman here of the pro- fession who has some distant thoughts of settling in Salem, provided you do not return to that place. He has requested me to ask you the ques- tion, whether you think you shall ? " I am much disappointed that Dr. McHenry is not in this department. I have many reasons for wishing he was. I think he would prefer it, to being where he is. We live like princes, in the utmost harmony and social enjoyment. "I wish you would be so kind as to write to me, by the next post, to Albany, and inclose the let- ters in a cover, directed to Samuel Stringer, Esq., Director-general of the Hospital at Fort George, and ask Eustis to do likewise." This letter affords additional proof that in the army of the Eevolution all were not perfectly harmonious. Some wanted office who could not get it ; some appointments were made upon de- ceitful recommendations ; some bad men held high office, and some good men were neglected. Perhaps the greatest wonder is, that so few became traitors, so few changed sides in the struggle of a feeble union of colonies, against the most powerful nation in Europe. Whilst still at Hackensack, Dr. Warren received LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. the following letter from Mr. James Lovell, a gentleman in Boston, who had been imprisoned by General Howe, for holding some prohibited correspondence. Washington had negotiated for his exchange, but for some time ineffectually. After about six months' close confinement, he was exchanged for Governor Skene. The latter had been appointed Governor of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and empowered to raise a regiment in America. On this ground, he was taken into custody when he arrived in Philadelphia, June, 1775; his papers were examined by order of Congress, and he was' retained prisoner. Mr. Lov- ell was kept in Boston till the British evacuated it, and was then taken to Halifax. In November of this year, both the prisoners were brought to New York, and the exchange took place there. It was very natural that the officers of the army should gladly render Mr. Lov- ell whatever civilities were in their power. He writes from Fort Lee, November 6th : " DEAR SIR, General Greene is not at this post at present, but the knowledge of the characters of the gentlemen here, actually on the spot, will enable you to judge how extremely obliged I am for your billets, in addition to the kindness of your carriage. I shall tarry at this place until my trunk arrives, through your kind attention to it ; if Dr. Foster has not rendered that needless. I will be more full from headquarters. " Yr. fr. and h. servt. J. LOVELL." 1776.] DISSATISFACTION WITH WASHINGTON. 125 During Mr. Lovell's imprisonment, he was asso- ciated with Ethan Allen in the same jail. The billets referred to were, doubtless, letters of in- troduction from my father to General Greene, and others. On the 10th of December, he was chosen delegate to Congress, and reflected for many years. He became Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, an admirer 'and correspon- dent of General Gates, and totally averse to the so-called " Fabian " policy of Washington. Let it never be forgotten how great was the clamor against the dilatory movements of our great "leader in 17*76 and 1777 ! How strong and num- erous were the voices which would have led him with an ill-clothed, half-demoralized army, whose diminished numbers he was laboring to conceal from the enemy to give battle to the well-disci- plined British troops, who never acknowledged defeat. Never was the greatness of Washington displayed in a higher degree than at this period, when the popular clamor and the shafts of bitter rivalry were added to the ill-conditioned and per- plexing state of his army ; and the fear of giving a knowledge of that state to the enemy. The history of our nation, if no other, gives abundant proof that it is harder for one at the head of military or of state affairs, to resist the daily importunities of those immediately about him, particularly if supported by popular opinion, than to meet the enemy in the severest conflict. To officers and soldiers, both, the tedium of camp life, in addition to its privations and actual suffer- 126 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 23. ings, is much the most difficult to endure without complaint. When Mr. Lovell thanks my father for a coach, we are not to suppose that the hospital surgeon, on a salary of thirty-three dollars per month, kept his coach. The " carriage " was probably some sort of vehicle connected with the hospital. The following, from Isaac Ledyard, dated No- vember 14th, is not very important, but it serves to show the readiness with which Dr. Warren as- sisted those who came within his reach : " DEAR SIR, I called at the post-office, agree- able to your desire, and delivered your letter. I found the inclosed lodged there, but could hear nothing of your papers, or the reason why they were detained. Dr. Morgan went into New Eng- land the day I came, and is not yet returned, so that I have been lying on my oars, ever since I have been here. " I have some reason to think I shall come again into the Jerseys soon. Whilst I am here, I shall remit you all the letters and papers received from the post-office, and think myself happy in having it in my power to oblige you, even in such small matters ; as it gives me opportunity to show how much I am your most obliged humble servant, ISAAC LEDYARD." " GENERAL HOSPITAL AT NORTHCASTLE." Dr. Cragie writes from Fort George, November 16th : 1776.] DR. CRAGIE'S LETTER. 127 " DEAR WARREN, I take {he freedom to intro- duce to your acquaintance Dr. Tillotson, one of the senior surgeons of this department. As he possesses all the good qualities of a gentleman, he will recommend himself to your esteem. As a very particular friend of mine, any marks of civ- ility will be acknowledged as additional obliga- tions to those already conferred on your sincere friend and humble servt., AND W . CRAGIE." Directed to Dr. John Warren at the General Hospital, New York. The letters of Dr. Morgan at this time are pretty frequent. The next one is dated Novem- ber 21st, from North Castle: " DEAR SIR, A report prevailed here yesterday; that five thousand of the enemy were landed at, or near Hackensack. Under the influence of that report, I wrote to have my things removed to Newark, and to desire your assistance. To-day the report is contradicted, and I now write to counteract my former desires. Let matters rest, but in case of real danger I know you will be ready enough to assist. All I have, therefore, to add on this head, is to request, if unexpected danger should threaten, you will be so good as to be attentive and act for me, as I would for you, in like circumstances ; or as you wish any one would do for you. " I thank you for your obliging letter, and for the information it contained. Must beg you will con- 128 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 23. tinue to have your weekly returns in readiness to send me by every favorable opportunity. I hope I shall get things in such readiness on this side, that I can leave it in a week or ten days, and go to Hackensack. " Mr. Crosby has applied to me for leave to go to Philadelphia, and attend the lectures this winter. I leave the matter to you. As he is the third that has applied for that liberty, I have told him, and shall tell others, when they apply, that they are not to count upon a certainty of gaining ad- mission again into the hospital, as it is not to be made a matter of private convenience to young men, to leave it and return again at pleasure, if others who are willing to stay can supply their place. " I am, dear sir, yr. most humble servant, "J. MORGAN." We learn from a letter of General Washington, of the same date, that the day previous, Lord Cornwallis landed a body of troops near Dobb's Ferry, and advanced very rapidly to Fort Lee. It was necessary to abandon this fort : and a large quantity of military stores, their tents (a severe loss), their baggage, and some artillery, fell into the hands of the enemy. The letters of Dr. Eustis are always pleasant. The following is from North Castle, dated Novem- ber 22 : "DEAR SIR, Your obliging letter by Doctor Crosby has given me great satisfaction. Accept 1776.] DP. EUSTIS'S LETTER. 129 this as a return of my gratitude. Had it been my good fortune to be stationed with you at Hacken- sack, or elsewhere, it would have added to my felic- ity, but my duty is delineated in Norwalk, which I esteem a very long journey from camp, and my friends. On this account, 'tis not so agreeable. However, Quo Fata vacant, was my motto on entering the service, and I mean to abide by it. Wherever I am, to hear frequently of the prosperity of your- self and my friends will make me happy. Receive my sincere- wishes for your health and happiness, and believe me unreservedly yours, " W. EUSTIS." The English army at this time, is said to have been about 3,000, the American army from 1,800 to 2,000. The latter were compelled to retreat for three weeks, across the level country of New Jersey, and the pursuit was so hot that the Ameri- can rear were often in sight of the British van. In the mean time, the troops, dispirited by defeat, left in large numbers as soon as their terms of enlistment expired, and returned to their homes. Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, Trenton, suc- cessively fell into the hands of the enemy. Dr. 0. W. Garnall writes from New Brunswick, on the 26th of November : - " DEAR SIR, Being very unwell when I arrived at Elizabethtown, and it being a rainy day, I was under the disagreeable necessity of stopping for the space of one day, by which means Mr. Lewis, with the team, gained considerable way. How- 130 LIFE OF DR. JOHft WARREN. [AGE 23. ever, as quick as possible, I followed on toward Boundbrook, reached there last night, inquired everywhere to gain intelligence of Mr. Lewis, but could hear no tidings of him. I went immediately to one of the committee belonging to said place and acquainted him with my business, but he assured me it was not practicable to get any room in the town for the sick. The houses were all full, except a church and school-house, that I might procure for that purpose. " I therefore left the place, went to Brunswick, and sought most diligently for the hospital stores be- longing to the General Hospital, but have not yet heard tidings of them; though, concerning the sick of the third Pennsylvania battalion, I have met with most of them, and have given them certifi- cates of their illness, and recommended them to be discharged, which was approved, and signed by General Mercer. ' "Those in health have joined Colonel Hand's battalion. 'What to do now I can't justly tell, but for want of money propose to go to the place of my dwelling, or to Philadelphia, where I may get recruited, having received no pay from the army this three months. I conclude, sir, your very humble servant, 0. W. GARNALL. "P. S. Dr. Lewis had a chest of mine, with the rest of the articles, marked in large letters H. H., which I would beg you to make mention of, that it may not be lost. I expect to see you in a few days, though I am very sick at present with a fever." 1776.] APPOINTMENT OF SUB-DIRECTORS. 131 The next letter is from Elbridge Gerry, dated Philadelphia, November 27. He was at this time member of the Congress ; one of the Committee of Correspondence of the Board of War. It is in answer to a letter from my father, and is decidedly non-committal : " SIR, In answer to your favor of the fifteenth, I am much concerned to hear that medicines are wanted for the army. This has been the complaint of the Northern Army, until of late a full supply has been sent to them. Dr. Hall, a member of Congress, and of the medical committee, has been mentioned to Dr. Foster as a proper gentleman to be consulted upon the measure, will and un- doubtedly take care to remedy the difficulty. " With respect to the sub-directors, I think it not impossible they will be necessary, and that you may stand candidate, when Congress thinks neces- sary to make an appointment. I think it may be convenient to have a recommendation from the director, in which the names of five or six gen- * . tlemen who have officiated as hospital surgeons, should be mentioned. I have conferred with Dr. Foster, and he will communicate the substance of the interview. I remain, sir, in haste your friend and humble servant," etc. Gerry is said to have been the very intimate friend of Joseph Warren, but he seems to have been only on formal terms with my father at this period. Dr. Foster was the bearer of this letter, which is directed to "Dr. Warren, at Camp, in 132 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23- Jersey." At this particular moment Washington was at Newark, anxiously hoping for reinforcer ment frofn General Lee, whom he had earnestly and repeatedly desired to join him. But Lee, full of self-confidence, and preferring a separate com- mand, delayed his motions ; possibly not unwilling to derive his own aggrandizement from any re- verses to the Commander-in-chief. Unfortunately for himself, he became so much engrossed in watching the supposed errors of his superior, that he allowed himself to fall into a rat-trap, and was taken prisoner in a manner more ludicrous than sublime. CHAPTER VIII. 1777. WASHINGTON DICTATOR. Retreat to New Brunswick. Cornelius Baldwin's Letter. Dr. Warren at Hanover. Dr. Foster's Letter. General Hospi- tal removed to Bethlehem. Removal of Dr. Morgan. Hon- orable Acquittal from all Charges. General Greene's recommend- ation of Dr. Warren for Sub-directorship. Dr. Morgan's Order. Dr. Cochran. Washington Dictator. Bold Move- ment of Washington. Narrow Escape of the Surgeons who were not warned. Letter to General Washington. Washing- ton's Answer. Doctors Morgan and Shippen. Answer to Charge against Dr. Morgan. Queer Letter by Dr. Eustis. Dr. Warren. Misses Searles. TT^ROM Newark Washington was compelled to continue his retreat to New Brunswick, closely pursued by the English army, who entered Newark at one end, just as the American rear had left the other end. Dr. Thacher says : " We learn with sorrow that our affairs in that quarter are in a deplorable and almost desperate situation ; our army being re- duced to the lowest ebb, discouraged, dispirited, and retreating through the Jerseys ; and the enemy in close pursuit. It had been the advice of many of the officers to move the army to Morristown, in order to effect a junction with the Northern Army, but Washing- ton, hoping to make a stand at Brunswick, pur- sued the course we have said. 134 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. Perhaps this intended movement to Morristown may have something to do with the next letter from Cornelius Baldwin at Morristown, December 1st: " SIR, Dr. Brown appears to me to have been guilty of a willful mistake in informing you that he had stopped the wagons in consequence of the information he got from the letter directed to you. The wagons have not been stopped, although he says he saw them, and Carnes was here, whom he did not direct to stop them. I can't learn that Carnes has done anything what- ever. He seems entirely stupid and incapable of business. I have sent Mr. Shaw, with all possible speed, after the wagons, which have got, at least, twenty miles from this. I have desired Dr. Lorin to send back Dr. A. Putnam's baggage, and such medicine as will be wanting. I shall proceed on im- mediately to Bethlehem, and endeavor to procure the best quarters possible for the sick and stores ; for I believe you have not much reason to expect anything from Dr. Shippen, or his surgeons. " CORNELIUS BALDWIN, Jr." This letter is directed to Dr. Warren at Hanover. By the next letter, which is from Dr. Foster at Mendham, December 4th, we find the General Hospital removed to Bethlehem : "DEAR SIR, The bearer, Mr. Breed, of Col- onel Hutchinson's regiment, has a number of sick 1776.] DR. MORGAN'S REMOVAL. 135 under his care. As I know of no other Eastern sick near here that are not moving, I should be sorry to leave them on this side Hudson River. Should be glad if you will send me a copy of General Washington's order relative to the matter. Pray let me know, by Mr. Breed, if you have any intelligence of the wagons, with medicines, and where I shall be likely to meet with the Director- general. Mrs. Foster desires her compliments. Accept the best wishes of, dear sir, your affection- ate friend, etc. ISAAC FOSTER." It seems to have been about this period of general uneasiness, depression, and discontent, the army retreating to the disgust of many officers, soldiers, and the public generally ; that the storm began to brew against Dr. Morgan, which ter- minated in his hasty removal by Congress, early in 1777. He had labored very hard to establish a system- atic method of conducting the medical depart- ment ; but the sick and wounded suffered from the want of medicines and stores, which he was unable to provide. The foregoing letters show that the wagons went astray, and were not forth- coming. The supply was also insufficient, as indi- cated in the letter referred to by Mr. Gerry. After Mr. Morgan's removal he demanded an investigation into the charges against him, and this resulted in an honorable acquittal upon all points. A new arrangement of the Hospital Department 136 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. was contemplated, and it was necessary for sur- geons, who wished to remain in the service, to make fresh application. A gathering of medical officers appears to have taken place in Philadel- phia, where Congress was in session. My father's application was strongly supported by General Greene, who, in a letter dated Cor- ryell's Ferry, Delaware, December 16th, recom- mends him for the appointment of Sub-direc- tor : " SIR, I take the liberty to recommend Dr. Warren to the Congress as a very suitable person to receive the appointment of Sub-director, which I am informed they are about to create a number of. Dr. Warren has given great satisfaction where he has had the direction of business. He is a young gentleman of ability, humanity, and great application to business. " I feel a degree of happiness that the Congress are going to put the hospital upon a better estab- lishment ; for the sick, this campaign, have suffered beyond description, and shocking to humanity. For my own part, I have never felt any distress equal to what the sufferings of the sick have occa- sioned, and am confident that nothing will injure the recruiting service so much as the dissatisfaction arising upon that head." Directed to Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. Dr. Warren was not successful in his application. Congress probably had more pegs than holes to put them into. 1776.] ORDER FROM DR. MORGAN. 137 It was momentarily expected that the British would cross the Delaware, and take possession of Philadelphia, and on the twelfth of December Congress adjourned to Baltimore. I find the following order from Dr. Morgan, written upon this day : "PHILADELPHIA, December 12th, 1776. Dr. War- ren is desired to repair to Bethlehem, or Newtown, in Buck's County, taking with him the several mates and officers of the General Hospital now in this city. The hospital stores now sent up to be carried to some convenient farm or house, a mile or two from hence, nearer Bethlehem, to be out of the enemy's route towards Philadelphia, in case the enemy comes that way. . He will there, in con- junction and consultation with Dr. Cochran, devise means for arranging matters in case of an action and for forming a flying hospital. " Dr. Morgan will attend in person, so soon as some other stores and refreshments are provided, and can be sent on, which he expects will be in two or three days. Dr. Morgan wishes him a good journey. JOHN MORGAN." " DR. JN. WARREN, Esq., in the Gen. Hospital." The different style of this letter, written in the third person, from the friendly tone of the former ones, may be noticed. It may be a,c- counted for either by the haste of removal which the departure of Congress and the contemplated movements of Congress rendered necessary ; or 138 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. by the peculiar position of Dr. Morgan himself at this present time. Dr. Cochran was a surgeon of eminence from New Jersey, who offered his medical services as volunteer to the Hospital Department about this time. He attracted the notice of Washington, was strongly recommended by him to Congress, who appointed him Surgeon-general in the Mid- dle Department, April 10, 1777, and subsequently, in 1781, Director-general of the hospitals of the United States. When the above order was given, Washington was in constant expectation of the enemy's advance upon Philadelphia. Large numbers had accepted the offers of Lord Howe and General Howe, who had issued a proclamation of pardon to those who would accept it within sixty days. Washington wrote a very earnest letter to Congress, stating the extreme destitution of the army, the entire disso- lution of which he feared. He alluded very plainly to their dilatory proceedings, and urged their taking strong measures to reenlist those in service, and to obtain new recruits. Thus strongly urged, Congress passed a resolu- tion empowering Washington to raise sixteen battalions, in addition to eighty-eight already voted, and they authorized him, " to order and direct all things relating to the department, and to the operations of war." This was to continue six months, and it vested in him, for the time, the authority of Military Dictator. By these measures they were enabled to retain, for the present, more than half the old soldiers, 1776.] BOLD MOVEMENT OF WASHINGTON. 139 and to obtain a large number of new recruits, part of whom enlisted for the war. Washington now mustered between five and six thousand men, and he was meditating a bold stroke, for which prepa- rations were made with great secrecy. The enemy were in full possession of the Jerseys. About fifteen hundred Hessians and a troop of British light-horse, were stationed at Trenton, and smaller detachments at Bordentown, Burlington, Black Horse, and Mount Holly. Christmas night was fixed upon for the attack upon the Hessian posts, because it was a time of great festivity and license in their camp, when it was probable most of the army would be in- toxicated, and all in a state of confusion and dis- order. The attack was to be made in three divisions. General Cadwallader was to cross the Delaware at Bristol, and march to Burlington. General Ewing to cross a little below Trenton, to intercept the retreat of the enemy, while Washington, with twelve hundred men, was to cross nine miles above Trenton to make the principal attack. The two former generals were unable to pass on account of the floating ice. Washington alone was successful. He was with one division led by General Greene, while another division was led by General Sullivan, so as to attack at two points simultaneously. The Hessians, taken by surprise, retreated, and finding themselves hemmed in on all sides, surrendered as prisoners of war. Nearly one thousand prisoners were taken, six brass can- non, a thousand stand of arms, and considerable 140 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. ammunition. He recrossed the Delaware in the night, with all his prisoners, captured artillery, etc. This victory was received with great exultation, but the situation of the. army was still critical. The capture of Philadelphia was still threatened, when a bold expedient suggested itself to the mind of the Commander-in-chief. Having made ample preparation, he ordered a number of camp fires to be lighted at night, and leaving a few men to take care of them, by a rapid and circuitous march, he came upon three regiments who were left at Princeton, at nine o'clock on the morning of the third of January, routed them, and drove them from their redoubts. Great was the surprise of Lord Cornwallis in the morning, when he expected to find his enemy at the lighted camp fires in Trenton, to be roused by firing from the same army twelve miles in his rear. But equally great and unpleasant was the surprise of Dr. Warren and the other surgeons, who had not been notified of the intended movement. Mounting their horses they gallopped off as fast as they could, without any knowledge of the road they should pursue, but after a time they fortu- nately received information, and were enabled to reach Princeton in season to take care of the wounded. Their escape, however, was a very narrow one. A similar event is mentioned in a preceding letter, by Dr. Eustis. In the evacuation of New York, the medical corps was left behind and 1777.J LETTER TO WASHINGTON. 141 escaped, as he says, only through the bad firing of the Hessians. These two events, displaying so much ability and military skill, changed the face of affairs, and closed the campaign of 1776 in joyful confidence. , Early in 1777 Dr. Morgan was removed from his office by Congress, and Dr. Shippen appointed in his place. In consequence of this change, some confusion naturally took place, and my father found himself performing the duties of surgeon in the General Hospital without legitimate authority. He there- fore wrote to General Washington on the tenth of February, from Philadelphia : "SiR, By the suspension of Dr. Morgan from the directorship of the Eastern Department, the commission which I formerly held in the General Hospital is vacated. I am now only employed in this city by Dr. Shippen, without any posi- tive assurance of an appointment upon the new establishment. " As by resolve of the honorable Continental Congress your Excellency has the sole power of regulating the medical and chirurgical department in the army, and of appointing all officers in it, I beg your Excellency to excuse the trouble I give you by this application, requesting to be informed, whether in the proposed arrangements I have been considered ? " I would not have troubled your Excellency with this request, but as I have very pressing solici- 142 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 23. citations to engage in another department, and it is necessary that I should form a determination in the course of a few days. " Having served as a senior surgeon in the General Hospital ever since the commencement of the war, I must, consequently, be considered ex- perienced in the business of hospitals, especially as I have, both at Long Island and Hackensack, had the sole direction of the hospitals there established. " As to diligence and assiduity, those who have been more immediately concerned in the disposi- tion of those hospitals will judge whether they may be applied to my conduct or not. " Whilst these matters were supposed to rest with Congress, General .Greene was so kind as to propose me an appointment to some directorship, and by the members of Congress I was encouraged to expect it. If I should have the honor of being appointed to any kind of directorship, one in New England, (if agreeable) at Rhode Island, would please me most, as I could there conveniently correspond with the persons in Boston who have the charge of my late brother's affairs ; whereas, at present, it is attended with great difficulty and uncertainty. If your Excellency will please to in- form me what I may expect, as soon as an oppor- tunity offers, a letter directed to me to be left at General Gates' will greatly oblige me. " I am, with the greatest respect, your Excel- lency's most humble, most obedient servant." The reply of General Washington is dated from headquarters at Morristown, February 25th : 1777.] ANSWER. 143 " SIR, I have yours of the eighteenth instant. Your continuing to act in the hospital, upon the uncertainty of being provided for, under the new arrangement, is very commendable ; but I can assure you it was ever my intention to take particular care that those who had filled their old stations with reputation should not be degraded in the new appointments. The plan for the estab- lishment of the General Hospital is now before Congress, and whenever I receive their appro- bation the officers will be appointed. I cannot promise you that you will be fixed at Rhode Island, but I dare say, in the settlement of the surgeons and physicians, who are to superintend the different departments, the private conveniences of gentle- men will be attended to, if thereby the public will not be injured. " I am, sir, your most obedient servant, " G. WASHINGTON." Both Dr. Morgan and Dr. Shippen, had been instrumental in getting up a medical institu- tion in Philadelphia, and were colleagues there. Dr. Shippen was a personal friend of General Washington, but from the preceding letters it may be gathered that Dr. Morgan's recommendation would not have much weight with the former, and that he might not be favorably inclined, ceteris paribus, to reappoint Dr. Morgan's friends. The contemplated appointment of sub-directors does not appear to have been made. There seems to have been an expectation on the part of Dr. 144 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. Warren's medical friends that he would be appoint- ed to the directorship of the Northern Department, but Dr. Shippen being appointed sole Director- general, negatived this prospect. It was, however, a very fortunate thing for my father that he was not appointed to any position, however elevated or lucrative, that would have taken him to a distance from Boston. It is very probable that the department spoken of in his letter to Washington, to which he says he had pressing solicitations, may have been the superintendence of a military hospital in Boston, to be founded under the auspices of the State of Massachusetts. At this time, great military prepa- rations were making in Massachusetts; fortifica- tions and troops were demanded by the danger of invasion, in addition to levies raised to send off to the general army, to Canada, or to other posts of danger. A hospital was, therefore, needed, and one was established near the location of the pres- ent Massachusetts General Hospital. By the first of July, 1777, my father was estab- lished as senior surgeon of the General Hospital in Boston. It was a fortunate period for him. One of those golden opportunities in a man's life, which, if neglected, never return. The death of his brother had created a wide chasm in the profession. A strong interest and sympathy was felt towards so near a relative, whose patriotic zeal, as well as his professional talents and industry, had been so amply demonstrated. Dr. Jeffries had accepted the service of the English commander, and left 1777.J MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. 145 Boston with him. Dr. Lloyd was considered in the Tory interest. The field was open for a youthful aspirant, already possessed of sufficient experience and ample medical acquirements. The following letter from Dr. Cutting, as well as the succeeding one from Dr. Cragie, refer to the subject of military appointments. Dr. Cut- ting's is from Philadelphia, April 29th : " Though I have wrote you repeatedly since I had the pleasure of a line from you at Fish Kill, yet I accuse myself for not having again troubled you before this time, as from several circumstances you had a right to expect it. "The hospital arrangement has taken place since my last, and would afford a volume of sub- jects, physical, sentimental, and political. I am amazed at nothing that occurs in these strange and unaccountable times ; otherwise, I should ex- press my astonishment that you were not among the Congressional appointments therein contained. " However, I dare say, you feel like yourself, upon the occasion. I expected to have felicitated you upon your promotion to a conspicuous sta- tion in the General Hospital, in one department or the other ; but since it is not permitted, give me leave to do it on your promotion to the sit- uation of a respectable private gentleman in civil life. And, believe me, I almost envy you the change. Have you attentively read over the pub- lished system of Congress, respecting military hos- pitals ? If you have, I make no comments upon 10 146 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. the perfection of the plan, or the illustrious char- acters who are to support it, for both are beyond the reach of panegyric, at least of mine. But seriously, I should be obliged for your remarks upon either,'or any part of this immaculate jumble. " I am called off upon pressing business ; excuse me' a moment, and I will be with you again. " A letter from the directors, at camp, that would not brook delay. Are you determined whether a senior surgeon's, or a private practition- er's birth, will be most eligible for you to accept, this campaign? I am grieved to think you have no alternative, but must choose one or the other. But I had almost forgot the assistant deputy's office, with a salary of three dollars a day. " Do you perceive the meaning of Congress in this particular appointment? For my part, 'tis beyond my comprehension, quite. I am sick of the topic. I cannot find the newspaper which I promised, high nor low, but shall renew my at- tention before the post leaves town, and, if pos- sible, send it to you. Mr. Miller has made the most solicitous and grateful inquiries concerning you, and every connection of the family speak of you, agreeable to your real deserts. " The young ladies of your acquaintance, partic- ularly the Miss Lakins and Miss Bradford, Miss Pole and Miss Fisher, request a most particular remembrance to you. Some of them have been very sick but are almost recovered, excepting Miss Betsey Bradford, and the youngest of the Miss Lakins, who are now very unwell. Dr. Bin- 1777.] DR. CRAGIE ON MILITARY APPOINTMENTS. 147 ney engrosses Miss Waldron so much that I very seldom have the happiness to see her, but I be- lieve she is well. " Dr. Young's family send their best regards to you. Almost all our set of male acquaintances in Philadelphia are at camp. We hear by express that Carleton has crossed the Lakes. The cam- paign must soon open. I will send you the " Crisis/' Number 101. Tis much read and talked of. Do, my dear Jack, prevent me from the necessity of requesting a line from you, to yours sincerely, J. B. CUTTING." Dr. Cragie's letter is written from Mount Inde- pendence, June 17th : " DEAR WARREN, I cannot express how much I am obliged to you for your favors by Dr. Town- send. Such instances of your lasting friendship, afford me the most pleasing satisfaction. " I had the pleasure of writing you sometime since, acknowledging the receipt of yours from Philadelphia, but as I never heard of your receiv- ing it, I suspect it must have miscarried. I am much chagrined at being disappointed of your society this summer, as 1 was much pleased with the prospect. The most pleasing are generally the most illusive. k 'I think you have been treated with insufferable neglect, in not having an appointment suitable to your deserts, from Congress. I know well what your sentiments must be upon this occasion, and nothing but your invincible attachment to the ser- 148 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. vice can induce you to continue in it after such glaring neglect. It is an ungrateful world, War- ren, and the more a man experiences it, the more he will see its baseness. Retirement, let it come when it may, cannot but be pleasing, after the ex- periments you have doubtless made in public life. Whenever you shall embrace it, may it prove as happy to yourself, as, in a public character, you have been serviceable to others ! "I shall always be happy whenever I am favored with your letters, and doubly so when they inform me of your prosperity. From the general inatten- tion of this department, I cannot but imagine the State or States who are to supply the garrison with troops, etc., must be very confident that there will be no attack made this summer. It 's disagree- able to me to write my opinion in this manner, as it seems out of my line, but the above I may venture in confidence. "I wrote our friend Eustis some time since (about fourteen days). I wish he would acquaint me if he received it. It was by post. " As I may do myself the pleasure of writing now and then, I would be glad to know your resi- dence. " Any news, your sentiments, anything from you, will be agreeable. I am, dear Warren, most affectionately yours, AND. C .". " P. S. Dr. Potts is in Albany, or on his way to this post. Drs. Tillotson and Townsend pre- sent you with their compliments and best wishes. June 24th, I wrote the above." 1777.] ANSWER TO DR. MORGAN. 149 By the following letter, written by my father from Boston, it appears that he had left the army and returned to Boston, as early as April. It is directed to Dr. Morgan : "BOSTON, April 12, 1777. " DEAR SIR, I received your letter requesting the particulars of some conversation which I had with Colonel (then Captain) Stone, at Hack en- sack, relative to a number of soldiers belonging to Colonel Smallwood's regiment, quartered in Mr. Zabriski's barn. " If I recollect rightly, they were ordered out, in pursuance of a resolve of the Continental Congress, or a general order, forbidding any regimental sick to be quartered in the neighborhood of a General Hospital. "Upon his mentioning the orders, which he considered as a hardship, I told him I imagined this to be the case. He informed me that some of them were very ill, and he knew not why they might not be removed into the Court-house, to which they were so near. I answered him that that house was appropriated to the reception of the wounded only, as it was apprehended that if .the sick should be admitted into the same house with the wounded, the health of the latter would be essentially affected, especially as the prevailing diseases of the season were of the putrid kind. " Orders having been given for the building an oven, in a house contiguous to the barn, for the use of the General Hospital ; it was represented to 150 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. the Colonel as absolutely necessary that the barn should be immediately evacuated, in order to re- ceive a quantity of stores which were at that time in said house, and which it was necessary to receive before the masons could begin their work. In consequence of which, they were removed in the course of a few days. -" I am sir, your most humble servant, " JOHN WARREN." It appears evident from this letter that one of the charges against Dr. Morgan, was that of refusing to admit the regimental sick, or rather the patients of regimental surgeons, into the Gen- eral Hospitals, the reasons for which are given in the above letter, as well as in a preceding one from my father. Dr. Eustis writes June 30th : " Dr. Eustis presents his compliments to Dr. Warren, Dr. Adams, Mr. Games, Aunt Elenworth, Miss Joanna, Miss Scollay, Mr. Captain Games' lady, and in short to all his friends ; wishes them to know he is well, lives tolerably happy in Danbury ; desires, as the regulars are leaving Jersey, all the ladies in Boston may be .panic struck with the idea of their being honored by a. visit, and that all extortioners, backbiters, , , , with all who are given to swearing, lying, stealing, detraction, toryism, etc., etc., etc., may become reformed within ten days from the date hereof; requesting finally, that this elegant billet may be instantly burnt by the person now 1777.] NOTE TO MISSES SEARLS. 151 reading, who will else, or on his failure of so doing, be deemed unworthy the confidence of all good men and Christians, as it is the first and burn it shall be the last request he will ever make." HEADQUARTERS, DANBURY, June 30, 1777. " DEAR JACK, If you will use your endeavor that Mr. Vinal and my brother come on immedi- ately and give them your assistance, if necessary, in any way, you will oblige your already humble servant, W. EUSTIS." " This is Captain Woolsey, a gentleman of my acquaintance, and, of course, a man of merit." The following polite billet, written about this time, may aiford matter for mysterious conjec- ture : "Dr. Warren presents his compliments to Miss Betsey and Polly Searls, hopes they are well, and informs Miss Polly that he is extremely cha- grined at his disappointment last evening, his good friend the doctor having, by his vigilance and caution, precluded the possibility of his making the intended discoveries. He had flattered himself with the expectation of the pleasure of waiting upon the ladies with some interesting intelligence this morning. He, however, still has that pleas- ure in idea, and hopes very shortly to enjoy the happiness of a few golden moments in their most agreeable and edifying company." CHAPTER IX. 1777. EVENTS OF THE WAR. Washington and Howe facing each other. Ticonderoga menaced. Letter from T. J. Games. Engagement, June 24. Dissensions at Ticonderoga. Gates and Schuyler. Capture of Mt. Defiance. Letter from Major Giles. General St. Clair. Miss A y Col ns. Letter from Dr. Samuel Adams. Death of Dr. Adams, January, 1778. Colonel Mifflin's family. Mrs. Mifflin. Miss Collins. Surrender of Burgoyne, October 17. A T this time the two points of main interest in the country were New. Jersey, where Gene- ral Washington and Sir William Howe continued to face each other, the latter manoeuvering, if possible, to bring on a general engagement, which the former with great caution and skill avoided ; and Ticonderoga in the North, which was menaced by Cornwallis. A letter from T. J. Games, July 1, refers to an engagement, on or about the 24th of June, be- tween Howe's army and Lord Sterling's divis- ion, which was strongly posted on the road to . Amboy. Washington's headquarters, at this time, were at Middle Brook, from which this letter was written. It may be observed that this division was dislodged by the enemy, but not until it had made sufficient resistance to defeat the plans of the English general, and, finding it useless to remain longer in his present position, he evacuated New 1777.] SKIRMISH NEAR AMBOY. 153 Jersey, leaving Washington greatly in doubt as to where he would next appear. " DR. WARREN, I had not time to write to you last Sunday by post, but hope you have received mine of last Saturday week. " I have nothing more to write you at this time than I wrote to my father last Sunday. This is by Captain Randall, who is exhanged from his con- finement and is bound to Boston. He can inform you better of the state of the enemy, than I can at present. I mentioned in my father's letter that Captain Eustis had lost two field-pieces, which was a mistake. He lost three, and eight or nine men killed and wounded. " It was not his fault that the field-pieces were lost. It was the fault of some commanding officer not giving him a covering party, to support him. I have not -heard how many we have lost yet, but I believe it is not more than I wrote my father. Our troops have drove the enemy into Amboy, and last evening we had intelligence that the enemy was evacuating Amboy, and our troops were within three miles of that place. I have nothing more to write at this time, only to beg you to write to me often. I am your sincere friend, T. J. CARNES. " P. S. I have this moment heard that the en- emy has left Amboy, and that our troops are in possession of it. I do not assert this as a fact, but believe it is true. I hope by next Saturday's post that I shall be able to give you a more particular 154 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. account, and which -way they are bound. Please to give my compliments to Doctor Eustis and all inquiring friends." At Ticonderoga, it is well known the American camp were not so fortunate. Some dissensions had arisen between General Gates and Schuyler as to superiority of command. Whether it was from this cause, or some other, the fortifications, which had been greatly extended, had not re- ceived by any means a sufficient number of troops to guard them properly. A lofty eminence, called Mt. Defiance, which commanded the fort, had been supposed by the Americans to be inaccessible to the troops with cannon. The English, by an enterprising move- ment, had taken possession of it. General St. Clair, who had been left in command, had to bear the first popular outburst, which always attends a defeat, and falls upon all parties concerned, right or wrong. A letter from Major A. Giles, from "Head- quarters, Moses Creek, five miles below Fort Edward," written July 28th, gives an account of this affair, and completely exonerates St. Clair from all blame : " DEAR SIR, I was much disappointed in not finding you here, as I had promised myself much happiness in your company. I am surprised to see there are so many slurs thrown out against General St. Clair for doing his duty. "It does not only injure his character, but it 1777.] MAJOR GILES' LETTERS. 155 hurts the cause. The General can justify his conduct, *I am very confident. He has taken no step but he has given a reason why he did so. I am sorry to see that our countrymen are so apt to condemn a gentleman without cause. Let them read the following sentence taken from the prin- ciples of penal law : i When wise and good men differ upon points of great constitutional import- ance, it is the duty of their humble fellow-citizens to wait the result of that dispassionate difference, with a silent prayer, Ne quid detrimenti capiat respubKca* " They blame the General, and for what ? Be- cause he did not maintain an extensive set of lines without men. The total amount of our gar- rison consisted of not more than two thousand five hundred troops, continental and militia, a third of them but boys, and without bayonets A strong army, indeed ! " This you may depend upon to be a fact. I saw the return myself. Many of them were without arms, also. Last fall, there were nine thousand continental troops there, and they were deemed insufficient then. The lines,' this year, are much more extensive, and require more men to maintain them. " It is cruel that so worthy a man should be so censured without just cause. The country are indebted to him for the army we have in this department. Had not his wisdom dictated a re- treat they would, no doubt, have all been taken. I am very sorry to say it, but the more a man does the less he is thought of. 156 LIFE OP DK. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. " He despises all they can say of him. He can make it appear to his superiors that he "has done right. I have the honor of being an aid-de-camp to this much injured gentleman. " I shall be happy to hear from you, by return of post. Be good enough to let me know if there is any deep blue, scarlet, white, or buff cloth, to be had with yon. I am sorry to give you so much trouble. It is d d bad times here. My best compliments and most sincere regards to Miss Ab y Col ns f : I understand you are acquainted with her. " Kemember me to all the girls that lived in the hospital, and such other of my Boston friends as you think proper. Believe me to be, Dr. John, with sincere regard, your assured friend, etc., " A. GILES, A. D. Camp. " If Dr. Adams is in Boston please to give him my compliments, and desire him to write. Don't neglect writing to me by return of post, and let me know, whether or no, the biz about Ti- conderoga has subsided." The statement of Major Giles was substantiated by the facts. The extension of the fortifications by order of Congress, without sufficient men to defend them, was a blunder, and the neglect to secure Mt. Defiance, was another. Mt. Defi- ance commanded the fort. General St. Clair was compelled to evacuate it, and he made an able retreat, sustaining an attack from a detachment of Burgoyne's army, by whom he was closely pursued. 1777.] GENERAL ST. GLAIR. 157 Dr. Thacher, who was present, has given, in his " Military Journal," an interesting account of this retreat. It is an amusing illustration of the ex- travagance of war rumors in ante-telegraph days, that both Schuyler and St. Clair were reported to be traitors, and it was said they ' were paid by the enemy for their treason in silver balls, which were collected by order of General St. Clair, and divided between him and General Schuyler. Dr. Thacher states that this rumor met with consider- able credence. It was at least extravagant enough for general belief. When the facts became known, General St. Clair was universally acquitted, but the loss of the fort was a most serious disaster, and produced a gloom all over the country. We may notice, in the above letter, a delicate insinuation in regard to Miss Ab y Col ns. <) > */ Dr. Samuel Adams, writing a little later from the General Hospital at Fish Kill, September 7th, speaks a little plainer : " MY DEAR FRIEND JACK, I received your very agreeable favor by Dr. Blanchard. I assure you, my friend, I am always happy in hearing from you, and .hold your letters in the highest esti- mation. " You say, unless I pass a few moments in an- swering yours, it shall' be the last. Was I, Jack, conscious of neglect in this respect, I should applaud your resolution ; but when I consider that you are even now indebted to me a letter, I cannot 158 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 24. account for it, unless I had the great vanity to suppose my letters were agreeable but eno' of this. " I am again fixed here, my old station, and in all probability shall remain during the present campaign, which I believe will not call very loud for the attendance of surgeons. . In the whole department there are about five hundred sick, including all on this side of the river. But I can tell you, Monsieur Mors seldom makes his appear- ance. " We frequently have petty skirmishes with the enemy near King's Bridge, and I doubt not it will afford satisfaction to you to be informed that our Dr. Turnison, has captured a corporal of the Brit- ish light horse. He borrowed a pistol from a gentleman who stood by, and, not even being cer- tain whether it was charged, rushed upon him, within two hundred yards of the main troops, and after receiving the fire from his carbine and two pistols, seized him, and is now in possession of a very fine horse. So much for the honor of the hospital^ Jack. " Our good friend Cutler has been exceedingly ill with a very severe intermitting fever, but I have the pleasure to inform you he is recovering fast, and desires his compliments to your honor. I assure you, doctor, he is one of the best of men. " But, Jack, how go on [hymenian] affairs ? Are you enlisted under his god-ship ? Of this you must inform me next post. My best compliments to your I wish I could say, wife ; but I will venture to say, Miss C-l-s." 1777.1 1>R. ADAMS' DEATH. " How is our good friend Mr. Carries, and 'his family ? God knows I wish them the greatest happiness and prosperity. My regards to him, Miss Joe, Aunt Polly, Mrs. Games, etc., etc. Tell Mr. Carnes I shall omit writing to him till next week, when I am in hopes I shall be able to write to him some good news. " Now, friend Jack, I flatter myself I shall hear* from you next post, informing me of all proper private news, as well as public. Till then, believe me to be, dear sir, your sincere friend and humble servant, SAMUEL ADAMS, JR. " P. S. Do call on Mr. John Carnes soon, and tell him I called at Mr. Buck's, at Salem, but his papa had set off for Boston two days before, and as I supposed his letter was of no great impor- tance, destroyed it. My best compliments to him and family. Has Dolly sold all her desperate fine ribbons ? S. A." This letter, was, doubtless, the last my father ever received from Dr. Adams. He died of a scrofulous disease, January 7th, 1778. When General Washington took command of the army at Cambridge, his first aid-de-camp was Colonel Mifflin. In his family, or within the camp precincts, were two young ladies whose personal qualities rendered them the centre of attraction among the officers of the army. One was Miss Wendall, afterwards Mrs. Mellen. The other was the young lady alluded to in the preceding letter, the daughter of John Collins, Governor of Rhode Island. 160 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. It is probable that his estate at Castle Hill, and in fact the whole island, was too much ex- posed to attacks from the enemy's fleet, to be a safe residence at this time. In point of fact, Rhode Island was taken possession of by the British in .December, 1776, the same day on which Washing- ton crossed the Delaware. Miss Collins, therefore, came to Cambridge, and became a member of the family of her cousin, General (then Colonel) Mifflin, and afterwards went with them to Phila- delphia. Whatever might have been the case at Cambridge, during the first privations of the war, Colonel Mifflin's house at Philadelphia was the gayest in camp. General Washington, absorbed in the. greatness of his cares and responsibilities, and doubtless wishing to set a good example, lived very simply, but his officers felt more privileged to enjoy themselves. John Adams and Mrs. Adams both give glowing pictures of the festivities at Colonel Mifflin's, who often enter- tained the officers and the Commander-in-chief. We are accustomed to look back upon the army of the Revolution as on a scene of universal dis- tress, suffering, and even destitution, especially at the period we are now considering. But there is a brighter side. Officers and soldiers are social, as well as fighting men, and must have enjoy- ments, if it were only to soften and forget the horrors of war. Our ante-revolutionary fathers, who possessed the means, lived in a style of a good deal of elegance, and in those days money went much farther than it does now. It is true 1777.] MRS. MIFFLIN. 161 that expensive living then, as well as now, some- times led to dishonest practices, and quartermas- ters cribbed the grain and other public stores which passed through their hands. General Mifflin is described " as a man of educa- tion, ready apprehension, and brilliancy, who had spent some time in Europe, and particularly France, and was very easy of access, with the manners of genteel life, though occasionally evolv- ing those of the Quaker." Mrs. Mifflin was a Philadelphia lady, of delicate health, and without children. Mrs. Adams speaks of visiting Mrs. Morgan, " who kept " at Mrs. Mifflin's, in December 1777, and meeting Dr. Morgan at table. The professional connection between the Director-general and Hospital-sur- geon must have rendered my father a frequent guest. While the army was stationed in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, he had the opportu- nity of renewing the intercourse which had com- menced at Cambridge. Miss Collins, then not over seventeen, excited his interest, and he was fortu- nate in winning her from the many rivals who sur- rounded her. In quiet times, and in easy circum- stances, a girl of seventeen is little more than a child, but in times of great political excitement, children mature fast. At the period of the following billet, Miss C. was probably staying with her friends in Boston. " Dr. Warren presents his compliments, and, if she will pardon it, his Love, to Miss Collins. 11 162 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. " It being a fine day, he could not be so regard- less of his own happiness as not to wish to know her pleasure with regard to the proposed ride to Cambridge. If she pleases to go in the afternoon, he will wait upon her punctually at the time assigned. If he is not to be indulged with the happiness to-day, she will be pleased to remember how entirely devoted he is to her service, and that her will is his pleasure." If, perhaps, it should be considered that this billet is rather formal, according to modern no- tions, it must be recollected that the manners of the old French noblesse then gave laws to the world. Sans-culottism had not yet arisen to spread its influence over society. The most famil- iar letters to my father, beginning " Dear Jack," generally ended, "your most obedient and very humble servant." My ' father, though he had held situations of great responsibility, was now only twenty-four years old. To one of his acute sensibility, all emotions were powerful. He was in the highest degree ardent and impulsive, of a temperament susceptible of the highest enjoyment and the keenest pain. He now loved with an ardor that never diminished to the last hour of his life. Miss Collins possessed a good deal of beauty ; that especially of expression, which is given by strong powers of mind. Her features were fine, her stature rather tall and commanding, and she possessed that delicacy of complexion which the 1777.] MISS COLLINS. 163 Newport climate was said to promote. In charac- ter she formed a remarkable and happy contrast to my father. She was reserved, self-possessed ; of acute sensibility indeed, but this sensibility kept under the strictest control. She was one who would bear the sting of a concealed serpent, rather than let the world know she suffered. Born and brought up in a Quaker family, she had not received the advantages of an accom- plished education. Domestic duties, and particu- larly sewing, were considered the only matters of importance. What she read was by stealth, and the book she was reading was carefully concealed as soon as an approaching footstep was heard. As stolen waters are sweet, she thus derived an insatiable appetite for literature. Books were scarce then. Readers depended entirely upon English editions; comparatively few were printed here. This privation led to the cultivation of powers of observation, which a residence at head- quarters operated to mature. She is said to have been a favorite protege of Washington, and lived in the midst of the elite of military and civil life. In the intensely exciting topics and interests of the time, the intellectual powers of the mind were developed, and the conversation acquired a higher tone, while vital interests, and even personal safety, were the subjects of discussion. Conversation supplied the place of reading, and the mind was cultivated and strengthened by contact with other superior and more highly cultivated intellects. 164 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24, It is the necessity of a mind like Dr. "War- ren's, strong in a sense of duty, ready to en- counter danger and meet opposition with firm- ness, accustomed to place the interests of others always before his own, in absolute forgetfulness of self, to have some one, and one of the softer sex it must be, upon whom he can throw himself in the hours of weakness and distrust ; to whom he can unburden himself as he could to no male friend, and find that support which a strong intel- lect and clear head can give. My mother could give this support. She could, not only like other American women of her time and this, " gird on the sword and buckle on the spur," to send forth a husband or a son to battle, but she could aid him to support the more secret and annoying troubles of the mind, which sting the sharper on account of their very insignificance and intangibility ; troubles which some men never feel, and can never comprehend. I have seen strong robust men who would run from the point of a needle, and faint at the sight of a drop of blood, who were perfectly incapable of under- standing or believing in any pain that was not physical. My father held very old-fashioned notions of marriage. He believed that man and wife actu- ally became one ; one in thought, one in feeling, one in interest, one in sympathy, and one in the ownership of property. " With all my worldly goods I thee endow," were not empty words with him. They might not have been used in his 1777.] BRIGHTER PROSPECTS OF THE WAR. 165 marriage ceremony, but their spirit was fully adopted. Whatever was his was hers. In like manner he wished her to share his political pursuits and interests ; even his medical studies and cares. One of the first books she read after her marriage was a treatise on surgery, and Cullen's" First Lines." We find Dr. Warren established as Surgeon-gen- eral in the Military Hospital in Boston, in June. His occupations here, his private practice, which was rapidly becoming important, his disappoint- ment, if it was such, in obtaining a higher posi- tion ; above all, his new formed ties, did not damp his ardent interest in the public cause, and the progress of the war. He supported it by conver- sation, by writing, and by his earnest efforts in behalf of every active measure. Although always a devoted admirer of Washing- ton, it is not improbable that, like other men in New England at this time, his youthful and ardent spirit may have thought the commander-in-chief too slow and cautious. There is no evidence that he did so, but it is not improbable. Men could see only one side, and were ignorant of the motives which it was necessary for the commander to conceal. Washington was censured at this period of the war, just as President Lincoln was censured in our recent Rebellion. The results proved that both were right, and what happened then will happen again, and the most censured acts of a President may often, after his administration is closed, and party rivalries have subsided, prove to have been the most wise and successful. 166 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. Better prospects soon dawned. Some successes were obtained in the north, and on the seven- teenth of October the army of Burgoyne laid down their arms. This is alluded to in a letter of Major Giles from Headquarters, Whiteplain Township, on the thirtieth of October : " I have just time to ask how Mrs. Warren and you are ? " I congratulate you on the signal successes of the American arms, both to the northward, and here. The northern affair you have doubtless heard of, and the particulars. " Twelve hundred Hessians, under command of Count Donop, attacked Fort Mercer, at Eed Bank, in New Jersey, in which were five hundred of our men, on the twenty-second instant. The attack lasted forty minutes, when the enemy were obliged to retreat with the loss of the Count, his brigade- major, and near four hundred killed, wounded, and prisoners. And on the twenty-fourth, two of the enemy's ships of war, one of sixty-four guns, the other a thirty-two, got on shore in endeavoring to get through the Ceroux-de-frois}- They were im- mediately set on fire and burnt. "My best compliments to Mrs. Warren, and sincere regard for yourself. Be good enough to let ine hear from you. I am your sincere friend and obedient humble servant, A. GILES." As Fort Mercer was a place of very great importance, General Washington had placed Col- 1 Chevaux-de-frise. 1777.] COMPLIMENTS TO MRS. WARREN. 167 onel Christopher Greene in command of it. " The whole defense of the Delaware," he writes to him, " depends upon it, and consequently all hope of keeping Philadelphia, and finally succeeding in the present campaign." Lord Cornwallis had taken possession of Phila- delphia on the twenty-sixth of September, soon after the battle of Brandywine. Colonel Greene received a vote of thanks from Congress, and the present of a sword. Major Giles seems to have been rather prema- ture in his compliments to Mrs. Warren, as my father was not then married, but this event doubt- less took place before the letter was received. Dr. Warren's marriage took place on the fourth of November. His first residence, according to Dr. John C. Warren, was in a house at the corner of Avon Place and Central Court. CHAPTER X. 1777. MARRIAGE. Marriage, November 4. Residence Corner of Avon Place. Res O ' Angustse' Domi. Dr. Cutting's Letter from Bethlehem. Dr. Craigie's Letter. Hospital for Small-pox. Partnership for Inoculation. Articles of Agreement. Valley Forge. Cupid- ity of Army Contractors. Gates' Discontent at Washington's Caution. Alliance with France. Arrival of French Fleet. Encounter with Keppell. Disappointment. General Greene. Lafayette. Dr. Warren goes with the Volunteers. French Fleet dispersed by a Storm. Birth of J. C. Warren, August 1. Dr. Warren's Letters from Rhode Island. Letter from Mrs. Col- lins. Letter from Dr. Eustis. Dr. Shippen. Dr. Warren returns to Boston. Foreigners. Latin. Major Baury. A Sleigh-ride. T HE first months of a man's married life, though doubtless to himself the happiest period of existence, glide rapidly by, and leave little to re- member or record. Deeply occupied in his hos- pital cares and the extension of his business, Dr. Warren was still ever on the alert to aid the common cause. It may be considered evidence of the sound judgment of the companion whom he had chosen for life, that she had resisted the more brilliant attractions of wealth and splendor, with which she was surrounded, and, courted as she was, had the discernment, at this youthful period, to perceive and to prefer talents and integrity. Of wealth, 1777.] RES ANGUST^ DOMI. 169 there was none. The surgeon's pay, and the profits of a commencing practice, were all there was to live upon. We have seen how straitened were his means before leaving Salem, and in settling down in a new place, he had of course to begin to form a new practice, with the help only of the experience he had acquired, and the repu- tation for ability and zeal which reached from Salem. The change from the brilliancy of camp life at headquarters in Philadelphia, to the charge of a small private household, was a very great one, and for the first, indeed, for many years, the Res angustce domi were severely felt. Mrs. Warren could not have had much of her husband's time, but she shared in all his interests, and there was plenty to excite an ardent, not to say a romantic spirit. Secret expeditions were several times projected by the government of Massachusetts, for the defense and relief of the people of St. John's and others in the neighborhood, who were friendly to the United States. There was one to Newport, on the seven- teenth of September, which was unsuccessful, but was renewed the following year, when the French fleet was expected to cooperate. I find the following long letter by Dr. Cutting, written on the 17th of December, from the Gen- eral Hospital in Bethlehem. It will serve to show what was the appreciation of the choice he had made, by at least one of my father's friends : " MY DEAR SIR, This is my third since I left 170 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 24. Boston ; and, upon ray word, shall be the last you receive from me without some sign or token that you are either unable or unwilling to write. "I have made all proper and reasonable apol- ogies for you that I thought could be made for negligence in this particular. I have figured you in the arms of connubial bliss, possessing and pos- sessed of Beauty, Merit, and Love. Beauty, enough to warm the frigid breast of Philosophy and Wisdom with rapture. Merit, amply sufficient to justify the transport as rational : and Love, genuine love, more than enough to supply the deficiencies of both the former, and build up a superstructure of happiness during life on its own basis. "But surely the most sublime degree of felicity obtainable on earth ought not entirely to drive the first principle of it, universal benevolence, from your heart. You see I have not urged friendship as a motive to induce you to inform me of your welfare. No ; I have only mentioned that general feeling or disposition, whose influence diffuses pleas- ure on all mankind, as the more probable reason that impelled you to a correspondence with me at first ; for surely the affection of friendship needs no prompter, and it seems in our written intercourse you do. " I have heard nothing from Boston this three months, except anxious inquiries for an article, which at present is as scarce as blankets in our army, or health in the General Hospital ; I mean news. All I can tell you is, that the enemy have ravaged the country within sixteen miles of the 1777.] DR. CUTTING'S LETTER. 171 city, in such a manner that Jersey is a paradise to it, and that our army having somewhat assisted in this work through necessity, after offering to fight them on equal terms on this side the Schuyl- kill, have now crossed it for winter quarters, or plentiful forage, I don't know which ; and that, in consequence of this manoeuvre, I am obliged at this d d disagreeable season to prepare for a march to Lancaster, with all my medicines, etc., etc., which has quite unhinged me. As to the sick, God only knows where we shall find room for them, " in the rear of the army towards Lancaster ; " but they are ordered to be removed immediately in that direction. I am, you know, sanguine enough upon these occasions ; but, upon my word, we don't cut a very respectable figure in the fighting way in this State, however we may have done at the northward. Colonel Morgan is skirmishing with the enemy every day, we are told, more or less. " When the enemy came out with a show of fighting on the 5th inst., the riflemen and militia killed them ; about two hundred, from the best ac- counts, and among them a Colonel Abercrombie. They wounded and took from us a militia briga- dier, General Irwin, who behaved well, with part of his men, who did not run away. Major Morris, of Morgan's Corps, got a wound through the cheeks, but not dangerous. Since the main body of the enemy went into Philadelphia, Lieutenant- general Lord Cornwallis at the head of six thousand choice lads of the British, has been out on the other 172 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ A E 24 - side of the Schuylkill, destroying everything on the face of the earth, within a few miles of the city, that could not be carried in. This produced some skirmishing between his advanced parties and ours, but nothing of consequence ensued. Their devas- tations create us many friends, and, I believe, some few soldiers ; but to paint them with the undeviat- ing pencil of truth in their general colors, would be a task painful to every feeling of humanity, every principle of pity and benevolence. " Not content with taking from the trembling anti-pugnacious inhabitants, all their cattle, forage, and sustenance of every kind, the inhuman soldiers have, in many hundred instances that have come to my knowledge, stripped their clothes from the backs of men, women, and children, after burning and plundering their houses and plantations, and left them almost naked to the inclemency of the season. Every day increases their contempt of those who court their protection, and many of the Quakers begin to have their eyes and ears ivide open. When General Howe first came to the city, the army were moderate and even friendly to these peo- ple, who gave many proofs of their warm attach- ment to his cause and interest, especially in such particulars as they judged best might promote their own. Among others of this kind they made a pres- ent to General Howe of six thousand pounds cur- rency, in paper emission, of the old proprietary royal stamp. " The scheme succeeded, as he had very little specie at the time, and accordingly paper money 1777.] RAVAGES OF THE ENEMY. 173 of the old emission passed current in payments of every kind ; but as soon as the forts were reduced, the shipping up, and the officers had disposed of the royal trash, no money but gold or silver would pass, and accordingly it never has had any value since. " Then were the liters bit, and thousands of the poorer inhabitants obliged either to starve or come out of the city to buy their bread. In short, ex- cepting the dependants of the British army, and a few timid men, whose souls, like Issachar's, chose to couch down between two burdens, and become the hewers of wood and the drawers of water for their lords and tyrants, the Philistines, General Howe dwells in the midst of a larger circle of independ- ent Whigs (that will be when they can escape his jurisdiction) than he has ever done since he left Boston. " Our prisoners have been most cruelly used by the British army, but the inhabitants in general and Quakers in particular, have been very kind to them. This conduct, on the part of the Royal army, has produced a most severe, spirited, and genteel remonstrance from General Washington, which has had a good effect. By the way, I should be pleased to hear how Burgoyne and his legions behave themselves, and what time it is expected he will take his seat in Parliament, and whether our reports, which say the convention has been broken up by his officers, are true or not ? " Any article of foreign or domestic intelligence from Boston will give one an air of importance at 174 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25- Lancaster, where your letters may find me ; there- fore please to insert them. Please to make my compliments acceptable to Colonel Carey and lady. The Colonel was in camp the other day, but I just missed seeing him. I wrote him sometime since. Do for Heaven's sake inform me, Jack, whether there is such a lady as Miss A. Collins existing ? If there is not, present my best regards to Mrs. Warren, and give her a bridal kiss from me. Com- pliments to her sister and Miss Gushing. T won- der whether Miss Tyler got a letter from me a month ago. When you see her, a kind remem- brance from me should be presented. " The Miss Larkins came out of the city two weeks ago, and desire congratulatory compliments to you. They inform me that Jack Park has got a new mistress, a Tory girl, in Philadelphia, whom he courts through the lines at present. Whatever this scrawl is deficient in, I am very certain it is not in length, and so good-by. Yours, J. B. CUTTING." Dr. Craigie writes from Albany on the 16th of January : " DEAR WARREN, I take the freedom to intro- duce to your valuable acquaintance Dr. Hays, a gentleman of the British army, and who has the direction of the British Hospital in this city. ' He goes on a visit to General Burgoyne, and will spend a few hours in town. I shall be much obliged by every civility shown him, and flatter myself you will find great pleasure in his company. 1778.] SMALL-POX. 175 " Permit me to congratulate you upon the pleas- ures of a new campaign, which you have lately opened to yourself. It cannot fail being a happy one. I can only wish it may be lasting. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you. My best compliments to Mrs. Warren. Adieu." This letter is directed to "Dr. Warren, Senior Surgeon at the General Hospital, Boston." In the ensuing spring my father entered into a partnership with Dr. Rand and Dr. Haywood, for the formation of a hospital at Sewall's Point, Brook- line, for inoculation for the small-pox, and treat- ment of patients attacked with that disease. This partnership was to continue fourteen months. The articles of agreement were as follows : " Articles of agreement made and concluded this twenty-third day of April, 1778, between us the subscribers, viz. : That we, from this time forward, for the space of fourteen months, do enter in part- nership in the business of inoculating for the small- pox at Sewall's Point, in Brookline, and also for patients in the natural small-pox that may be sent to said hospital (except those patients belonging to the army). " 2d. That we will be at equal charges in repair- ing the barracks, which we shall improve for said inoculation, and all other necessary charges, also at equal expenses for medicines for the use of our patients, and that the profits arising therefrom shall be equally divided between us. " 3d. That neither of said parties shall carry on 176 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. any business relating to the small-pox separately at said hospital, during said term of fourteen months (always excepting any troops or any of the army which shall be sent to said hospital by order of the General, etc. ; they belonging to said John Warren). In witness whereof, the said parties have interchangeably set their hands, the day and year above written. (Signed) ISAAC RAND, LEM L HAY WOOD, JOHN WARREN." The hardships of our troops during the terrible winter passed at Valley Forge, have been forcibly described by the historians of the war. " Nothing," says Botta, " could be imagined to equal the sufferings which the American army had to undergo in the course of this winter, except the almost superhuman firmness with which they bore them." They were almost naked, a few had one shirt, many only the moiety of one. Many had to walk barefoot. Few, if any, had blankets. Straw could not be procured. The food was of the coarsest quality, and medicines were either abso- lutely wanting or of the worst quality, and adul- terated through the cupidity of army contractors. " For such, in general," says Botta, " has been the cupidity of these furnishers of armies, that they should rather be denominated the artisans of scar- city ; they have always preferred money to the life of the soldiers." Washington did all that sharp oversight and dili- 1778.] VALLEY FORGE. 177 gent attention could do to remedy these abuses. While forming a part of the family of General Mifflin, my mother was cognizant of some of the secret causes of disaffection which were gradually brewing against the great General. His close in- spection of accounts was among these. The ac- counts for grain, which came under the charge of certain officers, were found largely to exceed the amount actually received, and Washington did not spare his censure. These officers were indig- nant at what they considered the meanness of Washington, in looking into the horses' cribs to see how much grain was used. Hence, a bitter- ness arose, which led them to join in the cabals which were maturing at this period. Samuel Adams had never been able to brook that the supreme command should be held by a Virginian. Gates was not willing to be second in command. The moderation of Washington was objected to by some who wished a more decided Republican at the head of affairs. Officers and soldiers were disgusted with the " Fabian " policy which had kept them so long inactive. But matters were improving. An alliance had at last been formed with the court of France. On the 13th of April their fleet sailed from Toulon. It was the intention to proceed with all speed to America, and appear suddenly in the waters of the Delaware in hopes to destroy the far inferior force of Lord Howe, which had sailed up that river. This done, the army of Clinton attacked in front by 12 178 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. Washington, and in rear by the French fleet, must have been compelled to surrender. This project was defeated by an encounter with the English fleet under Keppel. It was then de- termined to direct their operations against Rhode Island. A plan for this purpose had been concerted be- tween the Count D'Estaing and the American Con- gress. One thousand of the militia of Massachu- setts was already stationed in that neighborhood. Two thousand more were ordered out, and volun- teer companies were raised in Boston, Salem, Bev- erly, and other towns. General Greene, who was a native of Rhode Island, and a cousin of my mother, was ordered hither, and the Marquis Lafayette came as volun- teer. So that nine or ten thousand troops were assembled, while the English commander, Sir Rob- ert Pigot, had but six thousand, though well fortified at Newport. Many distinguished citizens joined the expedition as volunteers, and my father 'was not to be with- held from following their example. The principle so strongly laid down afterwards in his Fourth of July oration, that all other claims must yield to love of country, how far this principle triumphed over private feeling must be judged, when neither his professional business, his recent marriage, or the situation of his youthful wife could restrain him. Count D'Estaing had arrived on the 29th of July at Point Judith, five miles from Newport, and 1778.] LETTER FROM RHODE ISLAND. 179 a joint attack upon the English forces was planned and commenced on the ninth of August by General Sullivan, who confidently expected the cooperation of the French fleet. This movement is said to have given offence to D'Estaing, who expected to have been the first to set foot upon the island. Instead of immediately joining in the attack ; on the approach of the Eng- lish fleet, he was led out of the harbor to meet them. The British commander, having an inferior force, avoided the engagement. A violent storm arose, which shattered the French fleet and caused severe suffering to the army. Fortunately it also delayed the arrival of the English, for had they come upon the French fleet in its dispersed condition, they must have destroyed it. On the other hand, had the storm continued, the whole English fleet must have been lost. Dr. Warren's first child, John Collins, was born on the 1st of August. His first letter, which has been preserved, is a mere fragment. It is dated from Tiverton, August tenth. He writes like the ardent and youthful lover, as well as the earnest patriot. General Washington begins his letters to his wife, " My dearest Life and Love." My father's commencement was equally expressive ; in some it was more concise : " MY DEAR GIRL, Yesterday morning at seven o'clock, Colonel Upham's regiment landed on the Island, and were soon followed by the whole of the troops. 180 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. " There was no opposition made, the enemy hav- ing before evacuated all the forts at the north end of the island, and retired to the fortresses near the town. Our army was to have marched this morn- ing toward their lines, but intelligence being re- ceived last evening that an English fleet was at the mouth of the harbor, our dispositions were al- tered, and we are still lying upon our old ground. About one hour and a half ago the French fleet, which had laid up a little above and west of the town, set sail to attack the enemy's fleet. I was at a commanding post on the island, and saw a most beautiful cannonade between the French fleet and the forts." The next page of this letter is unfortunately too much torn to be transcribed. Dr. Warren says, however, "that the firing was so incessant, and such a continued blaze for about two hours, as he never saw before. Should the two fleets come to an engagement they will soon determine who shall have full possession of the island. We hear by express, from Count D'Estaing last night, the gen- eral intelligence that the English fleet consisted of twenty-nine sail, and they judge eight of them to be ships of the line, besides which there were a number of frigates, and some supposed to be from New York, with a troop to reinforce their army here. If this is the case, our force is the largest, and we shall, no doubt, beat them. If this should be true, my dear, we shall soon be possessed of that town, which will give me the greatest pleas- 1778.] LETTERS FROM RHODE ISLAND. 181 ure, as I love every particular stone of it, for its giving birth to one whose happiness and safety is the sum of all I wish in life, and the object of every action I perform. K Now, my dear girl, I am to inform you that your papa is here, and in good health and fine spirits. He is at this moment at your kinsman's, Sain 1 . Collins, where also is Miss Betsey Collins, who inquires for you. " We have a fine body of men, and all in great spirits. I should feel happy if I could but hear you are well ; but ! how much happier to see you. I feel I cannot be long absent from you, so you may soon expect to see me. Remember me most affectionately to your mamma, whom you know I so much esteem. Love to Polly, and all friends." The next letter, curiously enough, is dated " Bos- ton, August 15th." The cooperation of the French fleet was still expected : " MY ALL, The line just put into my hand by Mr. Rogers has made me so happy that I shall this night either sleep soundly and quietly, or imagine myself holding social converse with the charmer of my soul ; but the greater portion of happiness I have still in view, which is that of receiving your (as you call it, and I hope to find it) long letter, which I understand Mr. Alexander has brought for me. Believe me, my dear, I have travelled through the whole of our part of the island to find him, but have been so extremely unhappy as to have missed him upon every inquiry. 182 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. " However, I expect to feast most luxuriantly upon those lovely lines which your hand has passed over. I envy not the splendor and magnificence of the most superb crown that ever graced the head of regal dignity, when I consider myself as the object of your care and love. "I am blest with every comfort here that I could reasonably expect, but, my dear girl, when I look back upon the busy scenes of this bustling life, and compare them with the calm sunshine of domestic conjugal happiness, with all the endear- ments of that connection of which I have the greatest reason to speak in the highest terms con- ceivable, I find a vacuum in the assemblage which nothing but your lovely self can fill. " We have this day moved with the whole army to about three miles from town, near Tominy Hill. We had a few shots from them to-day no harm done. We intrench to-night ; the fleet is not yet arrived. In the morning there was a booming of cannon. " All in good spirits. I am well. Write often, and cement the love I bear you, already stronger than death. I am, dear girl, " Your faithful husband, "JOHN WARREN." On Saturday evening, August 22, he writes : " MY DEAR ABBY, I have this afternoon received your favor of last Wednesday and Thursday. The information it contains of your illness the evening preceding the former date, gives me the greatest 1778.] LETTERS FROM RHODE ISLAND. 183 uneasiness. Had it not been for the reviving in- fluence of your postscript, wherein you tell me you are totally recovered, I think I should have broken through, all my obligations to have afforded all possible relief to one upon whom my happiness totally depends. " But perhaps I flatter myself too far. Perhaps your fear of giving me concern has induced you to represent your situation better than it is. I hope you would not deceive me, my dear girl, in a matter of so much importance. From henceforth e very ( moment of my abode at this distance from you will pass heavily away. But, dear girl, if there is any disagreeable complaint remaining, by all means let me know by the next post. I will not, on any consideration whatever, sacrifice the all I possess, to any ideal views of honor, when my pos- itive duty does not call me to it. Write immedi- ately, and write everything without reserve. " If the swelling or hardness of the breast con- tinues, let the inclosed recipe be put up by Dr. Willard, and rub it on three or four times a day. But if anything sudden should take place, immedi- ately procure the best assistance. I feel, if possi- ble, more than you undergo. " You call my letters love epistles ; I care not what epithet you give them ; they speak the senti- ments of my heart. I trust I am not enervated by effeminacy ; I am ready to brave all the dangers of the field : but the feelings of humanity and sympa- thizing tenderness are far from being incompatible with the character of true heroism. 184 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. " I am glad, my dear girl, that you like my polit- ical intelligence. You shall hear everything that happens. I wrote the chief news we have of late, yesterday ; but let Mr. Avery know that one of the brigs mentioned in my letter to him, the Bomb Ketch, contained two mortars; one thirteen inches, the other ten ; both of which were taken out and the vessel burnt. The mortars may be of great use to us. They are brass. " The other prize mentioned, instead of being the Bengal, a frigate, was the Senegal, of sixteen guns, which is one of the fleet. " Never was a storm so unfortunate ; in conse- quence of which I am afraid you will shortly see the French fleet in Boston harbor. In all proba- bility had the weather continued severe, the whole English fleet would have been taken, and doubtless in consequence of it N . "But I think you may collect from my letters that I have never been over sure. " Can you be happy, my dear, let things go as they will ? If so, then can I. I do, however, really expect to see you very soon. It cannot be long ere the close of the expedition. Love to Polly. Eespects to your dear worthy mamma. " P. S. That you may know how to read this letter, I have numbered it ; as otherwise it would have puzzled you greatly." It appears from this letter that Mrs. Collins, the mother of Mrs. Warren, was staying with her daughter at this time. Besides, that the latter had 1778.] LETTERS FROM RHODE ISLAND. 185 need of her care and attention at this particular period, Castle Hill was probably in possession of the English, and in every respect an unsafe place of residence. Governor Collins was with the American army at Newport. Having given a let- ter from Dr. Warren's mother, I now give one from Mrs. Collins. They are somewhat in contrast. The one looking especially to spiritual matters. The other to more domestic cares. The year is not stated, but it must have been written some- time about this period : CASTLE HILL, August 4. " MY DEAR DAUGHTER, I have been expecting Dr. W. [Dr. Waterhouse] here this very day ; but he has sent me word he shall set off for Boston to- morrow morning ; has been so hurried that he has not had time to come down here. " I hope he will be kind enough to take this let- ter and seven hundred dollars, which is all your daddy can get in Providence at present ; has the promise of the remainder soon, which he will send as soon as he can get it. " I had but an unpleasant journey home. I found them well, and pleased to see me safe returned, but the heat of the weather and fatigue of the journey took a good deal of my strength away ; but your daddy carried me up to Sam. Collins, and left me there until he went to Providence; and I have felt much better since I returned. I hear nothing of Dr. Mann, nor of my trunk. Do write soon, for I am anxious to hear how my dear little 186 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. boy and all of you are. My kind love to the Doctor. " I am your loving and affectionate' mamma, M. C. " All the family join in love to you and the Doc- tor. I shall send the tea T. 1 I am sorry they are broke." (Forw'd by Dr. Waterhouse.) " Sunday Morning, Five o'clock. " You see, my dear, I rise early, but have no good news to tell you this morning. " Our expedition has hitherto been an unfortu- nate one. Colonel Laurens was last evening sent down to the fleet, express. A protest was to have been issued by the generals against their leaving us. But the Colonel has this moment returned, and reports that they have already sailed. You will therefore have the pleasure, if there can be any in it, of seeing them at Boston very soon. It is un- certain what steps will be taken by the generals in consequence of this extraordinary course ; but I will endeavor to let you know as soon as possible. Observe that as I found myself obliged to inclose this in consequence of having wrote on three sides before I was aware of it, you have one half sheet crowded full. When I write to you I know not where to leave off. Perhaps the next letter I write I shall have the pleasure to bring and present my- self. However, all is not over yet. a I am yours affectionately." 1 Tea-things. 778.] MEDICAL AFFAIRS IN THE ARMY. 187 The Count had promised to return after giving his men time for a brief rest, and for refitting his ships in Boston harbor. But the army finding themselves deserted, two or three thousand volun- teers left their camp within twenty-four hours, and the remainder continued gradually to fall off. Thus this well concerted and promising expedition shared the fate which has befallen so many others in which land and naval forces were to cooperate, and which must depend upon the judgment and unanimity of the commanders, as well as upon the favoring con- dition of wind and waves. It added one more to the instances in which the public weal and mili- tary success has been sacrificed to the private pique and jealousy of commanders. A letter from Dr. Eustis, who was at Bedford, Pa., on the twenty-sixth of August, shows shrewdness of foresight with regard to the result of this expe- dition, and gives a view of the medical affairs of the army : " DEAR JACK, The medical world goes rather drolly. Dr. Sam. and myself are stationed at this place, with between three and four hundred pa- tients. Townsend and McCray, with the heads of 'the North Department, are at the Quaker meeting at Harrison's Purchase, about twelve miles below us. Burnett and Cochran, in conjunction, have charge of the flying hospital in camp. Drs. Shippen and Cragie are in camp, and have favored us with a visit. " The Departments were all in the dark until Dr. 188 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 25. Shippen came. He has made arrangements, and assigned to every branch their respective duties. Congress have resolved that no new appointments shall be made, but that the officers of the other de- partments be called in to the assistance of this, as occasion may require. Dr. Foster furnishes sup- plies, and all returns are made to him as before Dr. Shippen came. Dr. Turner has just returned from Congress with a resolution repealing that of Feb- ruary ninth, which Dr. Foster procured when he was there. In consequence of which no more re- turns, I imagine, will be made to him. " Thus stand our affairs. Dr. Sam. (Adams) and myself with our Aids find our hands full, and, for our comfort, expect to double the number of sick in fourteen days. Still, the army is not sickly is in good spirits. " Pray how goes the Secret Expedition ? If Rhode Island is ours, without many bloody noses, I mistake little Pigot's character. We have infor- mation here that the French fleet has returned much shattered, and one Seventy-four missing. You, doubtless, will be kind enough to let me know if it be true. " Business calls me off. You will therefore ac- cept my best wishes for your felicity. Make my compliments to Mrs. Warren and the family. Al- low me to congratulate you on the pleasing addi- tion made to your house, and receive a friendly adieu." Dr. Turner, who is spoken of here, was a cele- brated surgeon from Connecticut, who was ap- 1778.] RETURNS TO BOSTON. 189 pointed assistant surgeon, in 1759, to a regiment under General Amlierst at Ticonderoga. There he attracted the attention of the English surgeons, who invited him to witness their operations. In 1777 he was appointed by Congress Director- general, but on reconsideration of their vote, Dr. Shippen was appointed Director-general, and Dr. Turner Surgeon-general to the Northern Depart- ment. My father returned to his hospital duties and his family in Boston. The first-born son received the name of his grandfather,- John Collins ; and at one time was the intended successor, more Anglice, to his estate of Castle Hill Farm. The affection of the breasts in my mother's case, must have proved more serious than was first sup- posed, for she was never able to nurse her children. The narrow state of their finances prevented their having a nurse in the house, and so each child that annually arrived was put out to nurse. How far this was the custom of the time, I am not aware. It was a very common one in the higher classes in England. Sir Walter Scott makes George Kobertson attrib- ute his own vices which were strangers to his family to the source from which he drew his milk, the hag Murdockson. It is to be hoped that evil cannot be transmitted in this way ; but there is reason enough to believe that a permanent im- pression may be made on the character even in the first months of life ; and that an infant subjected to harsh treatment, may become timid or passionate 190 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. according to circumstances. It may be questioned, also, whether the love of the mother to the child who draws its nourishment from her breast is ever equaled under other circumstances. It is earlier called forth, is more demonstrative, and reciprocally excites a greater return. Ardently attached as Dr. Warren was to his wife, and almost morbid in his apprehensions of any in- jury to her, he vigijantly guarded her from any approach of pain or disorder; but he must have deeply regretted the necessity of this course ; and at this time, as on all subsequent occasions, took measures to secure the most faithful nurses. That they sometimes did prove otherwise, was only in accordance with the natural course of human af- fairs. The arrival of the French fleet at Boston gave Dr. Warren an opportunity of becoming acquainted with, and cultivating the society of distinguished foreigners, both of the military and medical profes- sions. Thus, though he had not enjoyed the ad- . vantages of a 'foreign medical education, and though he had not been to Europe, Europe may be said to have come to him. Loving his profession as a science, and regard- ing it in a higher light as the means of relieving pain and suffering, possessed also, as Dr. Jack- son and others have described him, of wonderful quickness of apprehension, he neglected no op- portunity of improvement. He had learned the Dutch language when he thought of establishing himself in Surinam. How 1 778.1 USE OF LATIN. 191 far he ever found it of practical advantage I do not know ; nor am I aware of what proficiency he ever acquired in French, as he never made any parade of his acquirements ; his modesty induced him to conceal them. He found instances, how- ever, where his familiarity with the Latin language was of great advantage, and afforded him the only means of communication with medical foreigners, a fact which proves the greater proficiency of the profession in the ancient languages in those days. Medical theses and treatises were written in Latin ; Hippocrates, Celsus, Sydenham, the highest authorities, were in Greek or Latin, and it was necessary to peruse or at least refer to them in the original. Above all, at this time the patriots of the coun- try studied deeply the historians of Greece and Eome in the original, to benefit by their instruc- tion and example in forming the new republic. My father's Fourth of July oration shows a great familiarity with the ancient tongues, and abun- dance of research. Nous avons chang& tout cela. It is not now thought necessary to look back into history for in- struction as to the present ; or to study the older writers for scientific information. In this age of the steam-engine and electric telegraph, every American, like Minerva, leaps into the world a full fledged politician, and with a full knowledge of all the arts and sciences. Among those who most frequently visited my father, was Major Louis Baury de Bellerive, who 192 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 25. came from St. Domingo, and was one of the French officers who offered their services to our army. I cannot say whether it was about this period or subsequently, that Dr. Warren treated one of these French gentlemen, or French West Indians, to the pleasure of a sleigh-ride. This gentleman had never seen any sleighing, but had formed a high anticipation of it from report. The snows were very deep in those days. My father always drove very fast, and probably becoming engrossed in conversation, or willing to exhibit some of the pe- culiarities of that species of locomotion, for it was the age of practical jokes, the excursion to Jamaica Plain was a series of overturns into the deep snow-drifts. The French gentleman con- fessed, that if that was what is called sleighing, he could not discern its beauties. CHAPTER XI. 1778-1780. Deplorable State of Finances. Prices. Destitution at the Hospi- tal. Letter to Samuel Adams. Loss of a Daughter born in July. Threatening Petition to Congress. Dr. Townsend's Letter. Reply to Petitions. Petition to Massachusetts Legislature. Let- ter to T. Pickering. Sermon to the Soldiers. Communication for the Press. Dark Day. Convention for a State Constitution. state of American finances had now become deplorable. Writing in October, 1778, Mrs. Adams says : " Our money is little better than blank paper. It takes forty dollars to purchase a barrel of cider ; fifty pounds lawful for a hundred of sugar, and fifty dollars for a hundred of flour ; four dollars per day for a laborer and find him, which will amount to four more." These difficulties seriously affected the hospital supplies, and Dr. Warren could not composedly see the sick under his charge suffering from the want of necessities. He repeatedly applied to Congress and to the Massachusetts Legislature, on whom first devolved the duty of making proper provision. The following address to the Executive gives a glowing picture of the condition of the Hospital. " To Jus Excellency the Governor and the Honorable the Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts : " GENTLEMEN, Though I have frequently rep- is 194 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [A GE 25. resented the distressed condition of the sick in the Continental Hospital, yet I have never had so ample occasion to deplore their miseries as at present. " For some days they have not had an ounce of meat; not a stick of wood but what they have taken from the neighboring fences ; for near a week not a vegetable ; and scarcely any medicine for above a year. In fine, to sum up the whole in a few words, the sick and wounded, many of which are. exceedingly dangerous, and some of them in a state which requires immediate amputa- tion, are not furnished by the public with a sin- gle article of sustenance except bread alone, and must have perished ere this had not the charitable donations of a few individuals in some measure contributed to their relief. " I have been incessantly making application for these last twelve months to all the departments for supplies, but cannot procure any. During which time the groans of the sick and wounded, suffering, and perhaps dying, for want of necessities, have been perpetually saluting my ears. I must, therefore, beg your Excellency and Honors' action in this matter, and am with the greatest respect, gentlemen, " Your most obedient servant, J. WARREN." " At the opening of the new year," says Barry, " the situation of affairs was discouraging and gloomy. The country was heavily burdened with 1779.] DIFFICULTY OF RAISING MONEY. 195 debt ; soldiers and their families were subjected to incredible hardships and sufferings." Clergy- men's salaries were reduced by the depreciation of the paper money ; lukewarm patriots all those who follow the tide of success and are unreason- able and complaining upon every reverse were grumbling and discontented. An advance of two million from Massachusetts, was called for, to be raised by direct taxation. Two thousand men additional were to be recruited from the army. In a war carried on expressly for the purpose of opposing an assumed right of taxation, it may be readily understood how difficult it must be to in- duce the masses to consent to be taxed ; and with what jealousy the power of levying money would be watched. In the first outbursts of enthusiasm, men are carried away by the popular fervor, and dare not hold back if they would. But there al- ways are a large class who, perhaps, commencing with good motives, soon begin to seek their own profit, and grudge every cent they spend in the popular cause. Many of them have mixed mo- tives. Others care only for themselves, or at fur- thest their families. They are always ready to dam|> the ardor of the timid and doubtful. The Government and the Legislature doubtless did the < ' i best they could to remedy the difficulties, but ex- cessive economy was required. On the thirteenth of February, Dr. Warren writes to Samuel Adams : 196 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 26. " DEAR SIR, New arrangements of the Medical Department have been much talked of here. "As I suppose the expediency of adopting a new system will shortly be agitated in Congress, you will excuse the freedom I take in mentioning by way of memento the state of affairs in our district. Really if any merit is due to those who have by their early exertions in the public cause, while the army was in a chaotic state, by the dangers to which they have in the exertion of their duty been exposed, by their perseverance in times of im- pending- darkness and real distress, by their pa- tient endurance of all the hardships attendant upon the retreat of an unsuccessful army, by exposing themselves to the most infectious diseases, by which, I believe, without a single exception they have all been brought to the gates of the grave, evinced their zeal ; surely Congress will not longer neglect the poor surgeons of the Eastern Depart- ment. " Gentlemen who are near Congress are extreme- ly artful and assiduous in promoting the interests of themselves and dependants, but surely Congress will not suffer themselves to be so imposed upon by the designing artifices of interested men, as to listen to every proposal of theirs, whilst those who cannot be personally heard are winked out of sight, or forgot. We rely on the wisdom and jus- tice of Congress, and particularly on your exer- tions in our behalf. The Southern gentlemen in the medical line have been much attended to by Congress, but I doubt not by your representation 1779.] APPLICATION TO CONGRESS. 197 ample justice will be done to the old, and I hope faithful servants of the public, in the Eastern De- partment. " I am, dear sir, with the greatest respect, " Your most obedient humble servant, " JOHN WARREN." Frequent losses among medical men prove that they are not exempt from the dangers of death, wounds, and captivity in battle ; but these are by no means their worst dangers. The daily attendance, in a crowded hospital, filled often with putrid and infectious disease, involved equal danger, unaccom- panied with the excitement of battle. That my father barely escaped with life after a dangerous illness, has been already shown. It has been seen, also, that the medical staff were some- times forgotten in a retreat, and left to escape as they could. A severe disappointment occurred to my father this year, in the loss of a second child, a daughter, born in July. It lived only a few hours. The depreciation of the Continental paper money had produced great suffering among the officers of the army. Forty pounds of paper money had be- come equivalent to only one of silver, and were not readily taken at that rate. Many were forced to resign, and the absolute necessity of making some arrangement to keep the troops together, compelled Congress to resolve that all officers of the line who should continue in service to the end of the war, should be entitled to half pay during 198 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 26. life ; the depreciation of the paper money be made good, and that they should receive a number of acres of land in proportion to their rank at the close of the war. The medical staff were not included in this ar- rangement, and considered themselves treated with great injustice. An application was made to Con- gress, and a petition drawn up and subscribed on the 5th of October, to call the attention of Con- gress to the affairs of the Medical Department, and require that in a limited time they should come to a definite- resolution thereon. At the same time an agreement was drawn up and signed by the medical officers or part of them, to the following purport : " We, the subscribers, officers of the Medical Department in the army of the United States, do hereby mutually engage our honor, each to one another, that we do join with the other members of that department, in a petition to Congress which we have subscribed, bearing date October 5, 1779, the purport of which is to call the at- tention of Congress to our affairs, and require that in a limited time they shall come to some defi- nite resolution thereon ; and we do mutually and severally engage to one another, that unless the terms of the petition which we have subscribed are complied with by Congress before the first day of January next (1780), we will, on that day, resign our several appointments in said medical department, and will not again serve or do any 1780.] DR. TOWNSEND'S LETTER. 199 part of the duty of that department, on any con- sideration or pretence whatever, until Congress shall have paid a satisfactory attention to said petition, by declaring explicitly what shall be the arrangement of that department, and what shall thereafter be the emolument and recompense to be granted and allowed to the several officers thereof, and until such definite resolution of Cpn- gress be made public. In witness of which en- gagement, we hereto set our names." This agreement appears to be in the handwrit- ing of Dr. Eustis, and was signed by W. Browne and himself. It is most likely that the milder counsels of my father prevailed, and that the paper was allowed to remain in his possession without further signatures. Dr. Townsend writes March 25th, from Albany : " DEAR JACK, Dr. Willard gave me your letter of the 24th of February. I must confess I was almost sorry to see him, because I feared the ad- vantage he might gain by the change of situation would be in no measure adequate to his expecta- tions. He is allowed every support that our hos- pital will afford. I wish it was greater. " I have talked with him freely on the subject, and I believe he will make out tolerably for the present. I think time will better his situation. He is convinced that the gentlemen of the department all will do everything in their power to make him happy. I shall ever feel myself interested for him. " You ask a question concerning medical matters 200 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. which I do not know well how to answer. I cant be pleased with a beneficence of Congress which I never felt ; their resolves will not clothe me but with pa- per ; a very unfashionable dress in a Northern cli- mate. " I often seriously think upon the subject of our situation, and the change I, as an individual, might make by resigning, but I have not made up my mind. You are doubtless sensible that with me there are many considerations, but none to render my present state eligible. " Johnston has been a long while at Philadel- phia upon business. When he returns I may be determined. But I have almost filled the compass of my letter without mentioning a matter, the busi- ness of this opportunity. "Do you suppose that our State will be so par- tially unjust as to neglect the Medical Department in all their gratuitous considerations ; or rather in their attempts to make good what is already due to the army? I have been told that they will have a further application this sitting. The Legis- lature of New York have been sitting at this place this winter. Among others, they have passed an act for clothing their part of our army. It may be of use as a precedent I obtained the inclosed copy of an extract from it of one of the members, by which you will see that gentlemen do not for- feit the benevolence of their State by -belonging to the General Hospital. Adieu. D. TOWNSEND." The following reply to the petition of the sur- 1780.] REPLY TO PETITIONS. 201 geons, is dated Philadelphia, May 2d, and directed to Mr. Thomas Carries. " SIR. Your letter by Dr. Enstis was safely de- livered to me with the inclosures. I presented your petition to Congress, and am sorry to inform you that they have taken no order thereon. Sev- eral gentlemen gave it as their opinion that your application should have been made to the State of Massachusetts. I moved to have it referred to the Council of said State ; but it was thought unneces- sary, as you would be informed without a particu- lar reference to Congress. Indeed, I think it not likely that they will take any order respecting the same. " I am sorry for your misfortune, and that I have not been able to afford you any relief. I am your most obedient servant, S. HOLTON." A petition to the Legislature of Massachusetts was therefore resolved upon, and it was prepared by Dr. Warren as follows : " To the Honorable the Council and the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay, New England, in General Court as- sembled : " The petition and remonstrance of the officers on the Staff belonging to the State, and employed in the several departments thereof, in behalf of themselves and those serving under them, humbly showeth : " That your petitioners did in the last session of 202 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 27. your Honorable Court, prefer a petition setting forth the many hardships and inconveniences un- der which they labored from the most enormous depreciation of the currency, and the consequent diminution of their pay granted them for tljeir public services; from all which grievances they humbly requested relief, and prayed to be admitted' to all the benefits and advantages so justly and so wisely allowed to the officers of the line ; but to our inexpressible mortification did we learn that after an almost unanimous resolve had passed the House in our favor, the Honorable Board, for want of a conviction of the reasonableness of our petition, thought fit to reject it with their non-con- currence. " Nothing, gentlemen, but a thorough conscious- ness of the justice of their claim, and the fullest confidence which they repose in the candor of the two houses, as well as their approved disposition to distribute the most equal justice through every branch of public administration, could have in- duced your petitioners again to have called your attention to their most intolerable sufferings, and to distresses which it is in the power of your Hon- ors only to remove. Permit us, gentlemen, hum- bly to represent : " That from the depreciation' of the money, your petitioners are at least as great, if not much greater sufferers than the officers of the line. For the support of this position, your Honors' own experi- ence, in this town especially, of the enormous prices of the necessaries of life, are a sufficient testimony, 1780.] PETITION TO THE LEGISLATURE. 203 and the necessary expenses of living attending the Staff in this State, are most incontestably much gre'ater than those of the line in Camp. " Secondly, That being stationed out of Camp, and considered as inhabitants of their places of abode, your petitioners are subjected to taxation of personal estate and faculty, which alone is suf- ficient to swallow, up nearly the whole of our pres- ent pay, and from which the line are exempt. " Thirdly, that the allowance made for their sub- sistence, has not generally been nine tenths so much as the officers of the line. " Fourthly, Your petitioners would observe, that, as their whole time is employed in the duties of their respective departments, and their concerns are allowedly more extensive and perplexing than those of the line, the nature of their services richly entitles them to an adequate compensation. " But Fifthly, to make use of an argument which your petitioners are persuaded will weigh more in the minds of your Honors, than every other reason .here offered, permit them to ob- serve that the stipulation upon which they entered the service, and have hitherto continued in it, upon the principle of equity, demands some considera- tion for the depreciation of the currency by which we have been so great sufferers ; and we need but hint to your Honors, that in the eye of justice the laborer is equally deprived of his hire, whether the compact by which his reward stipulated be in- fringed by witholding the nominal sum, or by paying it at a diminished value. He is in both cases 204 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AcE 27. equally deprived of a real compensation for his labor, and must in proportion thereto be consid- ered as imposed upon. "Your petitioners would, moreover, in justice to themselves observe, notwithstanding the tempta- tions of gain on one side, and the threats of pov- erty and distress to their families on the other, they trust no instance can be adduced of fraud or neg- lect in the Staff in this State. No superior advan- tages sufficient by any means to compensate for their inconveniences, do the Staff of this State en- joy from the places of their stations. As to risk of life, some of them have been, and some still are, more exposed than if in the camp or in the field ; and to the others, life itself is not worth possess- ing under their present hardships. " Your petitioners, confiding in the wisdom and integrity of your Honors, and the manifest injus- tice of their being made the only sufferers from depreciation in the whole army, nay, indeed, they may almost say in the whole community, doubted not but that your Honors would be induced to put them upon the same establishment with the line, or grant such other relief as your Honors shall decide." My father's keen sensibility in regard to suffer- ing or injustice, whether endured by others or by himself, as well as other qualifications, seem to have occasioned his being frequently intrusted with the duty of representing to Government the abuses which called for redress. 1780.] LETTER TO MR. PICKERING. . 205 His family circumstances, indeed, obliged him to take an ardent interest in the present matter, and the welfare of his medical brethren, as well as that of his hospital patients, stimulated his endeav- ors to obtain proper measures from the authorities. Various other matters besides those of a pecuniary nature, required attention. The new hospital ar- rangements were immature, and the duties of the surgeons ill-defined. On the eighth of May, 1780, he addressed the following letter to the Hon. Timothy Pickering: BOSTON, May 8th, 1780. "DEAR SIR, My past experience of your friend- ship and readiness to oblige, has given birth to my present application for the interposition of your influence. In the first place, to obtain an explanation of some matters connected with the line of my duty as senior physician and surgeon of the General Hospital in this place ; for want of which I have been much embarrassed, and per- haps in some degree have incurred a share of cen- sure. "The hospital of which I have the care is a general one, and has hitherto received the sick of this garrison, corps of invalids, regiment of the train, vagrant sick of all the eastern troops, sick of the new recruits, and all Continental prisoners, which have in general pretty well filled the build- ipg appropriated for their reception ; and together with my attendance on out-patients of the several corps and Staff of this station, have kept me con- 206 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 27. stantly employed. All such sick of the Conti- nental Navy, as were offered, were also received ; but much the greater part of them have been placed under the care of a private physician, and special charges made therefor. I ever thought this mode inconsistent with the system of econ- omy recommended by Congress, and accordingly made application for having them sent to the Gen- eral Hospital ; but was" answered that they were not to be taken care of there. Notwithstanding this, by intelligence received from Philadelphia a few days since, I find that it has been mentioned in Congress, as an article of complaint against the General Hospital, that Continental naval sick or the naval prisoners had been suffered to be attended by a private physician ; at which great surprise was expressed, as though Congress were not knowing to the mode adopted for the care of those sick. I ever wished to escape censure by conforming to the line of my duty, and therefore wrote to Mr. Gerry and Dr. Holton the state of facts as here related, with a request for an explanation, as there are now many marine sick in this town, I believe amounting to near a hundred (naval prisoners who are of late taken care of in the same way included), attended by a private physician. I conceive it my duty to request an explicit order, relative to the -matter, as soon as possible ; I therefore beg your attention to the obtaining of an order from Con- gress, or the Honorable Board of Admiralty, ascer- taining whether the sick of the Continental Navy and their prisoners shall in future be attended at 1780.] LETTER TO. MR. PICKERING. 207 the public expense by a private physician, at special charge, or received into the Continental General Established Hospital. " The secondary object of my letter is founded upon information that certain new arrangements are like shortly to take place in the Medical De- partment. As I know claims are necessary in these cases, I doubt not you will excuse my inform- ing you that I am the oldest senior surgeon on the continent. " You well remember the melancholy occasion which in my frenzy of zeal, induced me to enter the public service soon after the commencement of hostilities ; the sacrifice of a promising course of business I cheerfully made, and followed the army to the great danger of my life as can easily be evinced through all its vicissitudes of good and ill success, till ordered to this post to attend the hospital here. " I mean not to make any other application, but rest assured that your friendship will extend to the mention of such facts as these, either to Congress, or any committee thereof, with whom the business of the new arrangements may be intrusted. " I am, dear sir, with compliments to your lady and sentiments of respect, " Your most obedient and most obliged humble servant, "JOHN WARREN." After making every allowance for the difficulty of raising money, every impartial reader or thinker 208 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. must be compelled to allow, with Washington Irv- ing, that Congress were exceeding remiss in these matters. Washington took up the subject very earnestly, as the only means of holding the army together ; and by his earnest endeavors he prevailed with Congress to pass the provisions already alluded to, in favor of officers of the line. Why these provis- ions should have been confined to this portion only, is not intelligible, unless they thought that the fighting men were the only ones to be considered. But the injustice of paying one class of officers their full dues, and another class in depreciated paper, barely worth three shillings to the pound for so low had it fallen is perfectly obvious to every one. I find among my father's papers a brief manu- script sermon upon this subject, but by whom written or whether it was ever published or not, I am unable to decide. The text appears to be taken from Luke iii. 14 : " And the soldiers like- wise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do ? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely ; and be con- tent with your wages." " These are the words of John the Baptist, that notable harbinger of our glorious and now as- cended Redeemer, Jesus Christ. When John first made his appearance as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, according to ancient prophecy, he excited the curiosity and attention of many, and being taken by some for an extraordinary person- 1780.] DISCOURSE TO THE SOLDIERS. 209 age, they applied to him for counsel and advice, and among others, it seems the soldiers asked what they should do ? " The characters of soldiers of this day do not resemble those who consulted John ; they are not inquiring what they shall do to be saved. It is a matter of no importance with us ; like Felix, we put it off to a more convenient season. Let us consider the answer which the inspired John gave to their questions. ' Do violence to no man ; be content with your wages.' By the word ' vio- lence,' I apprehend that we are not to understand that they ought not to use their weapons upon any occasion at all. If this were the case, their very calling would be unnecessary, and the caution needless. But by violence, I conceive that we are to understand all injustice or fradulent dealing with our fellow men of all ranks, whether militia- men, or country farmers, etc., etc. " If I were worthy to inculcate the precept of this great man, I would entreat of my fellow soldiers to consider this very precept as directed to them- selves. It is with reluctance that I mention the complaints that are daily made by our fellow-citi- zens, of the disorder and ravages of our soldiery ; and when I hear an honest peasant complain that his garden has been robbed or his pockets picked, I blush to own that I am a soldier, as I must necessa- rily share in the stigma ; and because I belong to such or such a corps (who are so full of sharpers and jugglers), lam necessitated to take rank with them, and be recorded in the minds of my countrymen 14 210 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. as a robber, and hardly fit to be crucified with Barabbas.- Perhaps, some soldier will say, the countrymen have cheated us. It is granted but does it hence follow that we have a right to cheat them ? Verily no ; our Lord has taught us not to resist evil, but to overcome evil with good, and heap coals of fire upon our enemies' heads. This is a hard lesson, I know, to those who harbor a spirit of revenge and retaliation, but let them consider which will finally be best; to obey the commands of God, or follow the dictates of their own wicked hearts. " We will now consider the other caution in our text, namely : ' Be content with your wages.' This is absurd, some will say, and no way applicable to the present times ; for silver money, say they, was then current; whereas ours is paper, and has de- preciated four or five hundred, or four or five thousand percent; consequently the case is not parallel. But listen a moment. All moneys owe their value to a decree of the State, country, or government, and if a legislature sees fit to make oyster shells and chips a lawful tender, they ought to be esteemed equivalent to silver and gold. It is true that gold, silver, and other metals are more valuable than paper, or many other substances ; and they are perhaps less liable to counterfeits and defacements ; but on the other hand, bills of credit are portable, with less inconvenience than metal coins. For one man may carry more of the former in his pocket-book, than another can of the latter in his saddle bags, upon an able horse. 1780.1 DISCOURSE TO THE SOLDIERS. 211 " But ray fellow soldiers, let us leave these specu- lations, and come to the point in hand. We are engaged in a justifiable war : a war of self-defence. We fight not for the bubble honor, nor for a cock- ade and feather, but for our natural rights. If we get no pecuniary satisfaction for our toils, fatigues, and dangers, we are still better off than if we had gained millions and lost our native soil. " Here I can't but take notice of what I call a general mistake that prevails in our army, namely : that of setting up an opposite interest to that of the country. We are all natives of the soil upon which we now tread ; which has been defended at an immense expense, and with the loss of the blood of some of our best generals, officers, and fellow soldiers. Shall we, after acquiring such immortal fame in the field of war, basely fall to quarrelling among ourselves, and not only become the derision and the laughing stock of all the nations upon the globe, but expose ourselves to more barbarities from the savages and Hottentots of England ? " I freely acknowledge that the army have with unparalleled fortitude faced toils and dangers, and all the horrors of war. I likewise am sensible that while we were in the field, our countrymen and brethren have been practicing the execrable arts of monopoly, speculation, oppression, and the whole train of diabolical frauds ; and what is the consequence ? They with a little of our assistance have reduced the current money of these States (which was originally equivalent to gold) to its primitive nothing ; or in other words, to filthy rags. 212 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. And what must be done ? Shall Congress issue more ? No. Shall they tax more ? Yes, says the soldier. No, says the farmer. While such frauds are prevalent, the States are in the most imminent danger. " Let us then, my fellow-soldiers, no more wor- ship gold, the god of the world, but let us stead- fastly persevere in the glorious cause in which we are engaged ; humbly trusting in the God of armies that He will finally crown us with the laurels of victory and triumph. Finally, let us cherish a principle of love and forbearance with all men. In short, let us act like good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and good soldiers for ourselves and country. Let us do violence to no man be content with our wa;es. O " If we commence a war with the Commonwealth, we shall expose ourselves, our wives and children, and the community, to the ravages of an inhuman, merciless enemy ; in short we shall do that for the royal brute of England, which he and his tools, pimps, and w s, would willingly do for us ; namely, make us her abject slaves. Let us then subdue the enemy first, and after that it is time enough to call the country to an account. " You know it is in . our power to compel the public to make us restitution, if they will not do it voluntarily. God grant we may never be con- strained to use coercive measures ! My heart bleeds for my country while I behold it involved in every species of crimes, but I still entertain a hope that for the sake of a few, a very few, right- eous persons, the country will be saved, and the 1780.] ' DISCOURSE TO THE SOLDIERS. 213 army will receive ample compensation for all their toils, fatigues, and dangers. The ornens of our final success crowd in so fast that I am almost ready to speak in the language of prophecy : ' Be faithful unto the death and thou shalt receive ' not a crown, but the laurels of victory and triumph ; and shalt enjoy peace in all thy borders, as a fore- taste of eternal peace and happiness in the realms of immortal bliss. " But if you persist in your disposition to oppose the country by deserting its service, or taking up arms against it, I will foretell the consequence by a fable which one Agrippa told the people of Rome in one of their civil wars : " ' Upon a time, the hands and belly made war with each other. The hands complained that they did all the drudgery, while the belly lay idle, and sleeping, and lounging. The belly replied laconi- cally (for Monsieur Paunch is not very talkative) that he supplied the hands with blood and animal spirits, by assisting in concoction and digestion. The answer did not please, and to war they went. The hands refused to labor, the belly to grant his usual supplies, and both starved to death.' " The moral is plain. The Commonwealth is the belly or guts ; and the army are the hands. If we proclaim war, we shall all go to hell to- gether." It must be allowed that this language was suf- ficiently plain and forcible. Whether it was as successful with the army, as the eloquence of 214 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. Agrippawith the Roman people, I cannot say. We know from history, however, that the earnestness and influence of Washington and others prevailed with officers and soldiers to be patient ; and that Congress was, in fact, compelled to do them justice. The following communication on the same sub- ject was written by Dr. Warren for the press, about this time, and addressed as was then usual : " To THE PRINTER, The degeneracy of the age and the iniquity of the times, are generally assigned as the causes of those calamities with which a peo- ple, or a community, are visited ; and the messen- gers of divine wrath to a nation are considered as being sent in judgment for some hideous and epi- demic violation of the laws of justice to our fellow creatures ; or neglect of that duty, which as de- pendent creatures, we owe to the Creator of the Universe. " But sorry am I to say, that the guardians of the public virtue have hitherto in my opinion been to- tally defective in their inquiry into such causes. "That the miseries attendant on the times should be totally imputed to the misconduct of private in- dividuals, whilst examples of injustice are set by higher powers, must proceed from the grossest cowardice, or the grossest partiality. The nature of the act is not constituted by the character of the agent, and fraud in an exalted station is as utterly unpardonable, as in the meanest subject. K The injustice that some part of the army are daily groaning under, from that indefensible ad- 1780.] DARK DAY. 215 vantage taken of the depreciation to deprive them at least of forty-nine fiftieths of their just due, nay, indeed of the compensation stipulated, though not by the letter, yet by the spirit of the compact, the distresses consequent upon this direct violation of the laws of rectitude, whilst no appeal is to be had to a superior power, are left as subjects for the application of the preceding observations, for the test of the consciences of those who are instrumen- tal in the fraud ; and I think may be held as an alarming presage of future misfortunes, as well as the procuring causes of our past and repeated evils ; for, of the righteous, God loveth righteousness ; and if there is a God that judgeth in the earth, surely the oppressor shall not prosper ; surely the wicked shall not go unpunished. " And, as the accursed thing which, like that in the camp of the Israelites, calls for the exertions of every individual to search out and remove, is it not the duty of every member of the commu- nity to seek out the causes of our evil, and remove the authors of them (like the accursed thing in the camp of the Israelites ) ? IMPAVIDUS." On the 19th of May, 1780, occurred the " Dark Day " in New England ; an event which formed an era in the lives of all who witnessed it, and was always frequently spoken of so long as any of that generation were living; while some who heard it spoken of when they were children, al- most believed they were witnesses of it themselves. In 180G, there was a total eclipse of the sun, in 216 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Acs 27. which the darkness was greater in this neighbor- hood than in any one which has occurred since, so that these two events have frequently been con- founded in recollections of the past. My father was wont to describe the Dark Day in glowing language. He described the utter darkness the cows returning from their pasture on the Common ; birds seeking their nocturnal resting places ; the fowls going to roost. Can- dles were lighted, and everything bore the appear- ance of night. To the superstitious, it might well have ap- peared the omen of a visitation of wrath for the sins of the land. With the philosophical, it formed a subject for serious speculation, and there is a paper in the " Transactions of the American Academy," discussing its causes. It was accounted for in different ways ; but the smoke of vast fires burning in the woods of Maine, seems to have been the cause generally assigned, and finally acquiesced in. The darkness extended all over New England as far east as Falmouth, and to the further parts of Albany and Connecticut, all along the seacoast, as far as settlements ex- tended. Although the seat of actual war and the din of battle was far off, this year was by no means an uneventful one to the subject of this biography or to his native State. Early in the year, the conven- tion was held which resulted in the formation of the State Constitution. Dr. Warren's name does not appear in connec- 1780.] STATE CONSTITUTION. 217 tion with the debates attending it, but there is ample proof that he studied the subject deeply, watched the discussion with jealous interest, and labored both with tongue and pen in behalf of every measure for the support and stability of order and national liberty. It was not, however, his desire to make himself prominent as a politician. He ardently desired to witness the establishment of good and- permanent institutions ; and he felt it his duty as he consid- ered it that of every true citizen, to do his part to the utmost of his ability, towards insuring them. He felt an intense and personal interest in the welfare of his country, and he believed that a man who did not place his country's good as his high- est motive, could be worthy of little esteem. But occupied as he was, and loving his profession, he did not wish political distinction or notoriety of any kind. The assistance which he gave was in writing for the public papers, in private consulta- tion with the prominent politicians, and in the general expression of his opinion in the society in which he was thrown. CHAPTER XII. 1780. TREASON OF ARNOLD. Dr. Eustis' Letter. Secret Expedition. Colonel Nevers' Letter. Boston Medical Society. Dr. Rand, Dr. Danfbrth, Dr. Kast, and Dr. Warren. Dr. Bulfinch. Scrabble for Levi Ames' Body. Resuscitation of a Convict. Violation of the Grave. Washing- ton's Order. great war event of this year was the trea- son of Arnold, and the capture and execution of Major Andre. I have a letter from Dr. Eustis written October 6th, alluding to these events. He was established in the Military Hospital in the spacious house of Colonel Robinson, a royalist, who had entered the service of the British army. In part of this house, Arnold held his headquarters. The letter is more sober in its tone than Dr. Eustis' usually were. The startling events he had witnessed were sufficient cause. He was present during the violent paroxysms of Mrs. Arnold, when it was ascertained that her husband had absconded, and at her interview with Washington. It was a scene never to be forgotten. o " MY DEAR DOCTOR, From an unaccountable aversion to writing, I have troubled my friends 1*80.] LETTER FROM DR. EUSTIS. 219 I neither in Boston nor elsewhere, with any letters this season, but the extraordinary revolutions which have happened in this Department, and in our quarters in particular, have broke upon my reveries and set me to writing. "For a particular account of Arnold's elopement, I beg leave to refer you to my brother's letter, which I have requested him to show. You will easily allow the length of the narration to be my apology for not transcribing it. Since that, noth- ing material has occurred. We have, as usual, been amused with the reports of a new arrange- ment, but by the last accounts from Philadelphia none will take place, anterior to another arrange- ment of the army, which is now in digestion. By the resolutions of Congress in answer to the me- morial of the general officers, you perceive the order for the payment of our depreciation ; which if we have faith, will take place immediately. " General Greene is come out with four brigades, to command at this post. General Washington has marched with the army to Passaic Falls, so that the campaign is finally in my opinion over. Every man must form his own opinion of the con- sequences of the loss of this season, and the gen- eral situation of the country. Mine is unfit for a thousand reasons, to be recorded. I wish that of. others who are more competent judges, may be more favorable. Neither now, nor at any time, have I ever despaired of the independence or free- dom of the States ; but I am clear that new and greater exertions are necessary, than have as yet been made. 220 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Acs 27. " Townsend has been with me for two or three days, on his way to the army. From Adams, I have not heard one syllable since I saw him in Boston. Where he is, or what contriving, I can- not conjecture. " But present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Warren and Miss Betsey, and may I not congratu- late you on a second heir ? God bless you. May you go on and be happy. u P. S. As you visit the families of our friends, Colonel Gridley and Mr. Games, older and younger, I shall be gratified by your delivering my compli- ments." Mr. Barry states that the year 1780 was barren of events in Massachusetts. That the patriots of the State were not idle, the following letter is proof. I give it as matter of speculation. It is directed to " John Warren, Esq., President of the Hon. Council of the American Association, Boston," and signed by Phineas Nevers. It may be observed that James Warren, who succeeded General Joseph Warren as President of the Pro- vincial Congress, was now Speaker of the House of Representatives, and his signature, "J. Warren," the same as my father's, might have led to a mis- take in the address of the letter ; but it does not account for its being filed with my father's pa- pers. The expedition alluded to, must have been a very secret one ; as it does not appear to be al- luded to by the writers of the time. An expedi- 1780.J A PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. 221 tion into Canada had been projected in Boston the previous year, without consulting the Commander- in-chief, and proved unfortunate. This may have been another private enterprise of a similar char- acter. It may have been only intended to ascer- tain the feelings of the people of the place, and the possibility of getting up a successful expedition, previous to committing the government of the State to a new scheme, which might have the same issue as the former. " WOOLWICH, June 14th, 1780. HONORED SIR, After a short passage, I arrived here, where I unexpectedly found a considerable part of the inhabitants disaffected to the common cause consequently avowed enemies of our ex- pedition. The well affected were terrified by re- peated reports of invasion by the Canada Indians (an artifice of the British) on the back settlements. " The severity of the winter our Indian allies belonging to Penobscot and St. John's, removing to Machias, whereby the provisions at St. Johns were exposed to the enemy, of which they have availed themselves in spine degree discouraged the people about engaging in the expedition. " This obliged me to alter our plan, and to en- gage a larger number than was first proposed ; in which alteration I flatter myself I shall have the honor of your approbation. It appears necessary to coinmissionate three battalions and raise what men we could have, and fill up by the way, and after we enter the province. 222 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. "I should be exceedingly glad (as these blank commissions are not suitable for field officers), if you would send me some that are more suitable ; and the remainder of them printed, besides ; like- wise, two six-pounders and two howitzers, with the necessary articles to improve them, which Captain Barry of Easttown proposed to furnish. " The other necessary stores with the vessels, there is a prospect of getting here and in New Hampshire State. The number of troops we raise here, will soon be completed ; and there is some hundreds of Indians I depended upon, now at Machias Point, subsisted and paid by the United States, under the command of Colonel Allen, a great expense to said States of but little use, but might be of great use to us in our expedition. The approbation of the General Court and Council may be very necessary to taking them with me. "I shall soon leave this place, and proceed on the expedition, if counter orders from you does not prevent. I shall transmit a circumstantial ac- count of my proceedings when ready to proceed." The handwriting of this letter is very much bet- ter than the spelling or the grammar. Public events were not so entirely engrossing as to prevent entirely attempts at improvement in medical science. A meeting of physicians was held in Boston, May 14th, for the purpose of form- ing a society, to which they gave the name of the " Boston Medical Society." The principal persons concerned in the formation of this society appear 1780.] DE. ISAAC RAND. 223 to have been Drs. Samuel Danforth, Isaac Rand, Jr., Thomas Kast, and John Warren. The two former of these are well-known names. Perhaps not so much to the present generation, as they were fifty years ago. Dr. Danforth had the same sort of reputation here, that Abernethy had in England. He was distinguished for his eccen- tric coarseness of manner and his love of jokes, sometimes not very refined. His practice was very .large, and his decision and brusqueness gave him great authority over his patients. Some of his practical jokes are related in the " Life of Dr. John C. Warren." He died in 1827. He was President of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Isaac Rand, Jr., was the son of Dr. Isaac Rand of Charlestown. He was born in 1743, and graduated at Harvard College in 1761. He com- menced the study of his profession with his father, and afterwards completed a course of three years' study with Dr. Lloyd. He commenced practice in Boston in 1764, adhered to the royalist side in opinion, but took no active part, so that during the siege of Boston, as he remained in the town, his professional duties became very great. His indif- ference to the patriot cause, however, was owing to doubts of their success ; and he rejoiced in the establishment of independence. He acquired a very extensive practice, and lived to the age of eighty. He was one of the petitioners for the in- corporation of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of which he became president. Dr. Thomas Kast was a very well educated sur- 224 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. geon, who had attended two years' lectures at Guy's Hospital and St. Thomas' in London, and had served as dresser. He commenced practice in Bos- ton in 1774. He is said to have had a very respec- table and extensive practice, and to have been a skillful operator. He died in 1820, but ill health had interfered with his practicing actively for many years. Dr. Bulfinch was the son of Dr. Thomas Bui- finch, who studied under the famous Cheselden, and a successful practitioner in Boston; distin- guished for his fidelity in business and for all the unobtrusive qualities which form the attractions and happiness of social life. The son was pos- sessed of the same mild cheerful character as his father. " He possessed the same goodness of heart, and sincere and unpretending piety. He is said to have been distinguished for an uncommon at- traction of person and elegance of manners." He retired from practice in 1800, two years before his death. He was the father of Thomas Bulfinch, the architect and superintendent of the public buildings at Washington, to whom he transmitted the same quiet, amiable disposition for which him- self and his father were distinguished. The object of the Boston Medical Society was principally the regulation of fees. The Massa- chusetts Medical Society was formed the subse- quent year, but this held an independent exist- ence, and, in 1784, strongly opposed the admission of medical students from Cambridge to visit pa- tients at the Almshouse, as we shall see here- after. 1780.] BOSTON MEDICAL SOCIETY. DR. BULFINCH. 225 It seems to be frequently confounded with the Massachusetts Society; but the latter never has had the power of regulating the fees ; which of course must differ very much in different towns, being much higher in the metropolis than the country. It was then, and always must be a matter of great difficulty. The fee for midwifery, for in- stance, was fixed at forty-eight shillings. Dr. Bul- finch proposed two guineas ; and though he acqui- esced in the wishes of the majority, he was unwill- ing to alter his own fees, or he preferred to retain his independence. He declined connection with the society ;. expressing, however, his entire ap- proval of its objects and his wishes for its success. " I am very happy," he says, " in the design of your institution wish you every advantage pro- posed by it, and am with the warmest sentiments of respect and affection for every member, Thomas Bulfmch." His intention of soon leaving town was the reason assigned for not joining this society. He did not join the Massachusetts Medical Society, and he retired from practice this year. His with- drawal, however, appears to have produced some disturbance among the members. This winter Dr. Warren commenced a course of anatomical demonstrations to the medical men of the town, at the military hospital, which was situ- ated in a pasture at the corner of Milton and Spring streets near where the Massachusetts Hos- pital now stands. 15 226 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 27. This was the first attempt at anatomical instruc 1 tion by actual demonstrations, in Boston. They were conducted with great privacy, on account of the popular prejudice against dissection. They were attended by a small number of medical stu- dents and young practitioners, chiefly mates or persons otherwise attached to the army. A few scientific gentlemen were invited to attend. Boston had, as we have seen, many skillful, well educated physicians, but there was no school for medical instruction. Dr. Jeffries, Dr. Lloyd, Dr. Kast, and others, had obtained their medical edu- cation in England. Midwifery had been alto- gether in the hands of unqualified females. Dr. Lloyd had made the first effort to take it out of their hands ; and Dr. Rand left a very lucrative practice in Boston to go to Europe, to qualify him- self in this branch. On the commencement of the Revolution, it was no longer possible for American students to obtain instruction abroad, and they were driven to seek at home all the medical in- struction that could be obtained. In an account of the origin of the Medical School, my father says : " In some of the more populous towns, students were sometimes indulged with the privilege of examining the bodies of those who had died from any extraordinary diseases j and in a few instances, associations were formed for pursuing the business of dissection, where opportunities offered, from casualties or from public executions, for doing it in decency and safety. A private society had ex- 1780.] ORIGIN OF THE MEDICAL SCHOOL. 227 isted in the university under the denomination of the Anatomical Society, in which brutes were dis- sected, and demonstrations on the bones of the human skeleton were delivered by the members. " But the Revolution was the era to which the first medical school east of Philadelphia, together with many other valuable institutions, owes its birth. The military hospitals of the United States furnished a large field for observation and experi- ment in the various branches of the healing art, as well as an opportunity for anatomical investiga- tions; and to them many of the most eminent practitioners of the present day are indebted for their reputation and usefulness." My father was the principal agent in getting up the Anatomical society in college ; and he was the principal lecturer. That the members of the so- ciety were pretty active, and that their zeal was too great to confine themselves always to compar- ative anatomy, may be inferred from the allusions to the Sp r Club, in the early part of this vol- ume. Eustis, Adams, Norwood, and Townsend, seem to have been very active. I give here a letter from Dr. Eustis which is without date, but seems to have been written pre- vious to the year 1775, while there was still a royal governor of Massachusetts, and before the al- leged treason of Dr. Church. Dr. Adams gradu- ated in 1770, and died in 1778. We find Dr. Nor- wood writing from Falmouth, June 5th, 1775. 228 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. " FRIDAY MORNING, Boston. " DEAR BROTHER, This may serve to inform you, that as soon as the body of Levi Ames was pronounced dead by Dr. Jeffries, it was delivered by the Sheriff to a person who carried it in a cart to the water side, where it was received into a boat filled with about ^ twelve of Stillman's crew, who rowed it over to Dorchester Point. "It seems Stillman was very great with Ames, upon whose signifying his desire to be kept from the doctors, Stillman promised that he would get his people to secure him. ' " Our determination to have him was fixed as the laws of the Medes and Persians. We had heard it surmised that he was to be taken from the gallows in a boat, and when we saw him carried to the water, we concluded it was a deep laid scheme in Jeffries. "I'm before my story. You must know that Jeffries (as we heard) had applied to the Governor for a warrant to have this body. The Governor told him if he had come a quarter of an hour sooner, he would have given it, but he had just given one to Ames' friends, alias Stillman's gang. So it seems there was a scheme with Lloyd, Jef- fries, Clark, etc., to have him, and we imagined, as we knew they were after him, they might spread these reports to baffle us. " However, when we saw the Stillmanites, we were satisfied Jeffries had no hand in it. When we saw the boat land at Dorchester Point, we had a consultation, and Norwood, David, One Allen and 1780.] PURSUIT OP ANATOMY UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 229 myself, took chaise and rode round to the Point, Spuuker's like, but the many obstacles we had to encounter made it eleven o'clock before we reached the Point, where we searched and searched, and rid, hunted, and waded ; but alas, in vain ! There was no corpse to be found. "Discontented, we sat us down on the beach and groaned, etc., etc. Then rode to Brackett's, on the Neck, and endeavored to 'nock 'em up, to give us a dish of coffee; but failing, we backed about to the Punch Bowl, where, after long labors, we raised the house and got our desires gratified, and got home about four o'clock in the morning. Hadn't much sleep, of course, so we are very lame and cross to- day, moving, and altogether. Neptune continues very bad as yet ; the chance is very much against him. Else, we are all well. Mr. Eea will have your clothing done by Wednesday. One Allen makes a figure, I assure you. We have a from another place, so Church shan't be disap- pointed. Write very soon. "P. S. If you can understand me, I shall be much mistaken, but more pleased ; half dead, your . By the way, we have since heard that Stillman's gang rowed him back from the Point up to the town, and after laying him out in mode and figure, buried him God knows where ! Clark & Co. went to the Point to look for him, but were disappointed as well as we." Dr. Clark, here mentioned, was probably a class- mate of Dr. Eustis, who commenced the study of 230 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. medicine with Dr. Lloyd, at the same time that the former commenced with Joseph Warren. He was the sixth John Clark, and he became a partner of Dr. Lloyd. David was, of course, Dr. Townsend. One Allen seems to be in the enjoyment of a nick- name. Whether it was the Rev. Ebenezer Allen, a classmate of my father or not, I cannot say. At this period, the Governor had the disposal of the body of the criminal after execution. He might order its delivery to the man's friends, to any one to whom he himself assigned it, or to a surgeon, as he thought proper. The prisoner, with the Governor's assent, might make his own ar- rangements even for the sale of his body, if lie was so disposed, either for the benefit of his family or his own brief enjoyment. There was a letter published many years ago in a magazine, which is curious in itself, and bears on its face the marks of truth. It purports to be from an individual who was hung in Boston, very probably about the time referred to. He states, that being convicted and condemned with several other persons for a crime of which (of course) he was innocent, they were visited by certain' surgeons who wished to bargain with them for their bodies. The other convicts concluded an agreement, and received their money with high glee. But he showed so much horror of the transac- tion, that he strongly excited the interest of the surgeon who applied to him. He stayed after the others were gone, and after some further conversa- 1780.] CONVICT RESUSCITATED AFTER EXECUTION. 231 tion, he agreed to make the attempt to save him even after execution. He gave him some direc- tions, in compliance with which, as the writer states, while the attention of every 'one was en- gaged by the affecting prayer of the clergyman at this awful moment he was working the halter, so as to alter the position of the knot, that it might not compress the large nerves and arteries. The surgeon obtained possession of the body, and employed measures for its resuscitation, which were gradually successful. The writer describes (as others have done in similar cases) the hor- rors of returning to life, as a thousand times worse than death. Means were taken to secure his escape from the country, and he arrived safely in London. He states that the object of his com- munication, is to convey his thanks to the surgeon who rescued him, to whom he expresses infinite gratitude ; and to assure him of his safety. Besides its inherent probability, there is strong reason to believe in the veracity of this narrative. In ordinary cases, it might be at least a question how far such an interference in the course of justice would not be criminal ? But if the event occurred at the time in question, when Gage was Governor of Massachusetts, the Whig surgeon would have no chance of obtaining a hearing, however much he might be convinced of the prisoner's innocence. The surgeon was doubtless 'a young man. His feelings had become strongly excited in favor of the convict, and he was fully convinced that he had been unjustly condemned by an authority to 232 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 27. which he himself was opposed. Moreover, if he shared the Calvinistic views of his time, the sen- tence of the law by cutting off the period of proba- tion, involved the eternal death of the criminal. It may also be conjectured that the young sur- geon was not unwilling to experiment upon the means of restoring suspended animation a mat- ter in which the interests of humanity are so strongly concerned, and one of the special objects of inquiry to Humane Societies. It might become a curious question if, in such experiments as a former professor of chemistry was fond of making upon the body of a recently executed criminal, the artificial appearance of life should suddenly become real. Suppose, excited by the effect of a powerful .galvanic battery, the athletic form of a Marchant should start up from the table of the lecture room, and begin to use his voice and limbs ? To kill his patient again would be to commit murder ; to let him loose on society, a violation of law. It is one of those cases in which nature and feeling would decide. It would doubtless be his duty to deliver him into the hands of justice. But would he do it if he could ? The majesty of the law has been vindicated. The criminal has expi- ated his crime. Would it not be cruelty to place him in jeopardy of a second execution ? There is probably rarely a man who would not permit the criminal's escape if it could be made with secrecy, unless he knew that he was letting a hardened villain loose to commit ravages on society. But 1780.] SINGULAR CASE OF RESUSCITATION. 233 if he believed the subject innocent, and especially if he did not recognize the authority by which he was convicted, there would be no scruples in the case. In one of his novels, the " Female Bluebeard,' Eugene Sue has raised the question, whether a man who has been executed, can marry again, be- cause his first wife is a widow ? In November, 1775, the body of a soldier was taken from a grave, as was supposed for the pur- poses of dissection. Much general indignation was excited, and the practice was forbidden for the fu- ture, with stern reprobation by the Commander-in- chief. It was done with so little decency and caution, that the empty coffin was left exposed. It need scarcely be said that it could not have been the work of any of our friends of the Sp r Club. It must have been the act of a reckless agent or a novice. In cases of this kind, where the necessities of society are in conflict with the law, and with public opinion, the crime consists, like theft among the Spartan boys, not in the deed, but in permitting its discovery. At a much later period than this, it is said that rivalry occurred between the pupils of different sur- geons, and collisions between the parties after an execution were not infrequent. The Massachusetts Humane Society was one of my father's strongest objects of interest. It originated in 1780. It was first discussed by several gentlemen, Rev. Dr. Freeman, Dr. Aaron Dexter, Royall Tyler, and Dr. Mayes, an English- 234 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. man, the object being to form a society to promote measures to restore to life persons apparently dead. They consulted with James Bowdoin, who entered warmly into their objects. A meeting was called, and 'held at the " Bunch of Grapes," in State Street, January 5th, 1780, and it was resolved to apply for an act of incorporation. Dr. Warren's name is the third in the act ; Mr. Russell's name be- ing first, and that of Jonathan Mason, second. The end and design is stated to be " for the re- covery of all persons who meet with such accidents as to produce in them the appearance of death, and for promoting the cause of humanity by pursuing such means, from time to time, as shall have for their object the preservation of human life, and the alleviation of its miseries." At that time, charitable societies were rare. This attracted a good deal of attention. It was inaugurated, and its annual meetings kept up in June, with a great deal of pomp and circumstance. Dr. Lothrop gave the first anniversary discourse, and distinguished orators were engaged at each subsequent anniversary. At the first meeting of the trustees, which was held at the house of Dr. Warren one month after the formation of the society, February, 1786, it was voted that Mr. Andrew Sloane, who had saved a lad from drowning who had fallen through the ice into the water at the Mill-dam, should receive twenty-eight shillings. In October following, a case of resuscitation claimed and received the soci- ety's reward. The child of a painter had fallen 1780.] HUMANE SOCIETY. 235 into a deep well, and was taken out apparently dead. After long continued efforts in the employ- ment of means recommended by the society, ani- mation was restored. The erection of huts on ex- posed portions of the coast, for the shelter of ship- wrecked seamen, was their next object. They undertook to erect houses, and settle families on the Isle of Shoals, near Cape Sable, for this pur- pose. They made an annual visit to inspect these huts. On one occasion, as they passed the Fort, Governor Hancock ordered a salute to be fired, a circum- stance which shows the honor in which the society was held, as well as Mr. Hancock's appreciation of it. These inspections were not always satisfactory, for they were apt to find the huts injured and plun- dered of their contents. However, as Rev. Mr. Parkman says, they consoled themselves for their losses by the indulgence of festivities, which gradu- ally reached a height, for which it was necessary to provide sumptuary laws, limiting the number and variety of dishes. They probably agreed with my father, in the close of his Masonic charge at the festival of St. John the Baptist, in 1702 : " For God is pleased when man receives. To enjoy is to obey." I remember a festive meeting held at rny father's residence, in one of the last years of his life. The ample house, with its large dining-hall, opening into the garden, furnished ample space for the society to range at will, and the shaded walks af- forded the luxury of a rural residence within the 236 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. very heart of the town. I do not know how many members were present. To my childish eyes the number seemed immense. Dr. Warren took a great interest in the inven- tion and perfecting of life-boats, and of life-preserv- ers. One of the latter he had at his house for exam- ination. It was a leather bag made air-tight, to be worn around the body, with shoulder-straps and belt, and fitted with a brass cock for filling it with air from the mouth, on pretty much the same prin- ciple, I believe, as those now in use, with the ex- ception that the latter are made of India rubber material, which was not then known, except in its natural state. In subsequent years, other objects were pro- posed. A committee was appointed to confer with the Medical Faculty with regard to providing for the sick poor ; giving assistance to lying-in women, and for the care of foundlings. This resulted in recommending a subscription for a Dispensary, May 5, 1794, and gave origin to the Boston insti- tution of that name, which was organized in 1796. The sufferings of captives in Algiers, next excited their attention, and some letters were received from captives, stating their condition and asking assistance. As many deaths occurred from bath- ing in Charles River, near the Colleges, Dr. War- ren and Dr. Dexter were appointed a committee to confer with the citizens of Cambridge for the purpose of erecting bathing-houses, and the society voted $150 for this purpose. During the prevalence of the yellow fever in 1780.] HUMANE SOCIETY. 237 1798, the society offered a piece of plate of the value of fifty dollars, for a treatise containing the greatest number of important and well substantia- ted facts, instrumental in giving origin to this Sis- ease in the United States. The premium was given to Dr. Samuel Brown. As was naturally to be expected, the objects of the society were often greatly misunderstood, and it was exposed to various impositions. The premi- ums were claimed for objects very different from those designed, and in one case an individual ap- plied for the reward for rescuing from drowning, a person who had not been in the water. The condition of insane persons attracted so much attention from the society, that the Hon. Lemuel Shaw, in an address before the society in 1811, while congratulating them on the success of their efforts, says, that these efforts have been pushed with such perseverance, that cold, cautious, and calculating men suspected some sinister de- sign. In 1801, Rev. Dr. Parker informed the trustees that a gentleman had made offer to the society of four hundred dollars, to be used for erecting a building for those persons who are so unfortunate as to become insane. The trustees appointed a committee to report upon the subject. Thomas Boylston, by a will dated November 12, 1798, left to the town of Boston a sum for the erection of a small-pox hospital, and a lunatic asylum. His property, unfortunately, was in a London company, which became insolvent, and the bequest was lost. 238 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. Hon. William Phillips, by a codicil dated April 10, 1797, bequeathed the sum of five thousand dollars towards the building a hospital, to be paid as soon as they shall begin the work. The will was proved in 1804, but the work was not begun. Dr. Warren had, it appears, frequent conversations with his son and executor, Governor William Phillips, and addressed a letter to him. His reply is given in the "Memoir of Dr. J. C. War- ren," vol. i. p. 98. He says : " I am impressed with the importance of the subject .upon which we have repeatedly conversed, that of establishing in this town an hospital for the reception of lunatics, and other sick persons." He engages to pay to the Overseers of the Poor, twenty thousand dollars, which includes his father's legacy, so soon as one hundred and fifty thousand shall be subscribed, .and one hundred thousand actually paid to said over- seers, for the erection of such an hospital. It does not appear that this money was raised by the town, but the State came to the rescue, and contributed largely and liberally for the purpose, so that it deservedly has the title of the Massachu- setts General Hospital. CHAPTER XIII. 1780-1781. AMERICAN ACADEMY. Dr. Warren chosen a Member. His Paper. Dr. Warren requested to Lecture. Lectures at the Hospital. Amputation at the Shoul- der-joint. Massachusetts Medical Society incorporated. Sur- render of Cornwallis. Plan for a Medical Institution. Corres- pondence on this Subject. Elected Professor of Anatomy. Dr. Dexter, Dr. Warren, Dr. Waterhouse, Thomas Lee Shippen. Massachusetts Medical Society. HHHE American Academy of the Arts and Sci- ences received its charter on the 5th of May. My father became a member the subsequent year. The vote of the society was transmitted to him by President Willard, in the following note, dated "BEVERLY, August 27, 1781. " SIR, By the direction of the American Acad- emy of Arts and Sciences, I have the satisfaction of acquainting you that the twenty-second of this month you were elected a member of that literary body. I am persuaded, sir, that the Fellows of the Academy gave their suffrages with great pleasure ; and from your well known character, are happy in the prospect of receiving much assistance from you in prosecuting their plans, which make this institu- tion of great public utility. We are persuaded of 240 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. your ability, and we "have no doubt of your incli- nation to promote those valuable ends for which the Academy was founded, and which it is to be hoped all the members will invariably pursue. " You will join me, sir, in wishing this society to become extensively useful to mankind, and an honor to our country ; and I think it cannot fail of it, if the designs of the institution are properly pursued. " I am, sir, with sentiments of great esteem, " Your very humble servant, " JOSEPH WILLARD, Cor. Sec. Amer, Acad." The American Academy in Boston was com- posed of the most distinguished men in science and literature of the time, many of whom were physicians. Governor Bowdoin, President Willard, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Governor Hancock, Dr. Holyoke, Dr. Jarvis, James Sullivan, Eev. Sam- uel Cooper the distinguished patriot and pastor of Brattle Street Church Dr. Chauncy, and Eev. Samuel Mather, were among the earliest members. Among the objects of the society, Agriculture is named first, as most important, and that upon which the solid prosperity of the country most de- pended. u To examine the various soils and de- termine what each is best adapted to produce ; to ascertain the most suitable manures, and the means of increasing them; to devise methods to secure the fruits of the field and of the trees from blight, and destructive insects." The study of Natural 1781.] AMERICAN ACADEMY. 241 History is placed next, then Botany and Chemistry, then Astronomy, and finally the Mechanical Arts, and Manufactures. The first paper contributed by Dr. Warren was an account of a " Large tumor in the abdomen, containing hair." He adduces this case as an instance of the per- fect safety with which large and free openings may be made under certain circumstances into the ab- domen. The case was one of a negro woman who had a large tumor which had been a number of years in growing, became fluctuating, and indicated the presence of pus. "An extensive incision was made through the rectus muscle, and about a pint of watery matter immediately issued from it ; after which about the same quantity of pure pus was discharged. "On introducing two or three fingers into the cavity, a quantity of soft substance was felt within it, much about the consistency of soft soap." This was removed with a table-spoon to the quantity of about a pound, and after three or four successive dressings, about three pounds more were removed. " At each dressing the matter was particularly examined, and found to contain a large quantity of short hair or wool, about three quarters of an inch long, uniformly mixed with it." On careful ex- amination no bone or other foreign substance could be found in the tumor. The matter had evidently been contained in a sac, which firmly adhered to the peritoneum. The patient was visited by many of the practi- 16 242 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 27. tioners in Boston, and the supposition of an extra- uterine foetus was entertained, but the absence of all the usual signs of pregnancy and of bone or other foreign matter in the sac, contradicted the supposition. Dr. Warren was inclined to consider it a diseased ovarium, adhering to the neighboring part of the uterus as well as to the peritoneum, from the common result of inflammation. The patient recovered perfect health, became moder- ately corpulent, and had the catamenia regularly. . The next article published in the first volume of the " Memoirs of the Academy," is an " Analysis of the Waters of Boston," by J. Feron, surgeon-mnjor of his most Christian Majesty's forces in North America. This analysis was procured by my father, and I find the original and the translation among his papers. M. Feron's conclusion is that " the waters of Boston contain a sea salt, with a basis of mineral alkali in small quantity ; a greater quan- tity of sea salt with an earthy basis ; a certain quantity of oil, perhaps a little of sal catharticus amarus. There are besides, some which contain farther a superabundance of earth, suspended by means of an undue proportion of air." He gives another paper upon the same subject in the second volume of the " Memoirs." I shall, hereafter, give a friendly letter from M. Feron, written from Paris, 26th Floreal, anno X. On the third of November, 1781, the Boston Medical Society passed the following vote : - " Present the President, .Dr. Pecker, Dr. Gard- ner, Dr. Danforth, Dr. Rand, Dr. Jarvis, Dr. War- 1780.] AMPUTATION AT THE SHOULDER JOINT. 243 ren, Dr. Curtis, Dr. "Welsh, Dr. Appleton, Dr. Whipple. " Voted, That Dr. John Warren be desired to demonstrate a course of Anatomical Lectures the ensuing winter. " A true copy from the minutes. N. W. APPLETON, D. J. In consequence of this vote, a course was de- livered at the hospital, which was quite public. Many of the literary and scientific gentlemen of Boston, and some of the students of Harvard Col- lege, were permitted to a.ttend. . My father had so much enthusiasm for his science, he was so full of his subject, that he read- ily infected others with his own love of the science. President Willard, and some of the Corporation of the College, who attended these lectures, were led to the idea of forming a Medical Institution to be connected with the University. The president communicated this desire to Dr. Warren, a con- ference was held, and he was desired to draw up the plan for such an institution, to be submitted to Dr. Willard as soon as convenient. In this winter he performed the operation of amputation at the shoulder-joint, with complete success at the Military Hospital. This operation had probably never been performed before in this country, and has been only on two or three occa- sions since. It is necessarily one of great danger, from the size of the wound, its neighborhood to the great arteries and nerves in the arm-pit, so that 244 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [A GE 28. there is danger not only from loss of blood, but from the shock upon the system. The inflamma- tion resulting from the wound of the articular sur- face must also be greater, the bone not being sawed off, but disarticulated. The necessity of such an operation is not often likely to occur from gun- shot or sabre wounds, or in common cases of acci- dent. Since the introduction of steam machinery into common use, however, some cases have oc- curred, in which the arm was torn off close to the body without destroying life ; particularly those in a steam bakery in Boston, in which disarticulation of the shoulder was performed with perfect success by Dr. Winslow Lewis. The Massachusetts Medical Society obtained its act of incorporation this year, on petition of thirty- one physicians residing' in different parts of the State. Dr. John Warren was one of the thirty-one original members. It held its first meeting the ensuing year, when Dr. Edward Augustus Hoi- yoke was chosen president. This society had power to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine, it being " clearly of importance that a just discrimination should be made between such as are duly educated and properly qualified for the duties of their pro- fession, and those w"ho may ignorantly and wickedly administer medicine, whereby the health and lives of many valuable individuals may be endangered or perhaps lost to the community." This seems to have been the special design of the society in its origin. There was hitherto no power in the State 1781.] SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 245 to license medical practitioners ; still less to confer medical degrees. By subsequent acts of legisla- ture, exemption from military duty and the exclu- sive power of collecting fees bylaw, were conferred upon the members. On the 19th of October, the surrender of Corn- wallis, the great event of the year, and in fact of the war, took place. From this time, the issue was no longer doubtful. The exciting interest of the struggle having passed, left my father more time for the earnest pursuit of his medical labors. In compliance with the wishes expressed by the Pres- ident and Corporation of Harvard College, he pre- pared the outlines of a plan for an institution; which, after various revisals and amendments, was completed in time for the next meeting of the Cor- poration ; and was brought before them upon the nineteenth of September, 1782. Twenty-two arti- cles were unanimously adopted, and were subse- quently laid before the Board of Overseers, by whom they were approved and confirmed. The plan was as follows : " That three professorships be established, namely, A professorship of Anatomy and Surgery ; a pro- fessorship of the Theory and Practice of Physic ; and a professorship of Chymistry and Materia Med- ica. " That these professors should, at all times, be under the inspection of the President and Fellows, and of the Overseers, to be by them displaced for any just and sufficient cause. That in case of va- cancies they shall be supplied within a year by the 246 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 28. Corporation ; or on their neglect, by the Overseers. That each professor be a Master of Arts, or grad- uated Bachelor, or Doctor of Physic ; of the Chris- tian Religion, and of strict morals. " That the professors demonstrate the anatomy of the human body with physiological observations ; and explain and perform a complete system of sur- gical operations. " That they teach their pupils the theory and practice of physic, by directing and superintending, as much as may be their private studies, lecturing on the diseases of the human body, and taking with them such as are qualified to visit their pa- tients ; making proper observations on the na- ture of the diseases, the peculiar circumstances attending them, and the method of cure. And whenever the professors be desired by any other gentlemen of the faculty to visit their patients in difficult and uncommon cases, they shall use their endeavors to introduce with them their pupils who are properly qualified. " That they deliver lectures on Materia Medica, and explain the theory of Chymistry, and apply its principles in a course of actual experiments. " That they have the use of the library, and be entitled to the privileges of the University in com- mon with the other professors, as far as circum- stances will permit. "That the medical pupils have access to the library on conditions prescribed. " That students of physic who shall have attended two courses of all the branches, and studied two 1782-1 HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. 247 years with some regular practitioner, may at the expiration of another year, offer themselves as can- didates for a medical degree, and being approbated, may obtain the same, and that, in special cases, the attendance on one course of lectures may be dis- pensed with. And further, that candidates who have not had a college education, give satisfactory evidence of their knowledge of the Latin language and experimental philosophy. " The foundation having been thus laid, Dr. War- ren was deputed to open a correspondence with the Medical Professors of Philadelphia, and such other persons as he should think proper, for procuring information respecting the usages of other univer- sities, respecting degrees and other subjects not particularly regulated in the above mentioned arti- cles. The information furnished by the celebrated Dr. Rush was of much use on this occasion; and further arrangements having been made, the ap- pointment of a professor was determined upon. It was therefore voted, November 22, 1782, that a professor be elected to superintend all the branches till further appointment." Some of the corespondence referred to may not prove uninteresting, even if it contain no great novelty. It may be premised that Dr. Morgan and Dr. Shippen, whose acquaintance we have already made as Directors-general, while absent in Europe completing their medical studies there, previous to the commencement of the war, formed the plan of establishing a medical institution in 248 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. Philadelphia ; for at that time there was no medi- cal institution in the United States. In accordance with this design, Dr. Shippen commenced a course of lectures on anatomy and midwifery, accompanied by dissections. Dr. Mor- gan returned from Europe in 1765, and was ap- pointed Professor of the Institutes of Medicine. Dr. Shippen was elected Professor of Anatomy. Thus was formed the first medical school in Amer- ica, and it was soon connected with the college of Philadelphia, of which Dr. Franklin was then Presi- dent. Dr. Rush was chosen Professor of Chemis- try in 1769. Dr. Warren's letter to Dr. Rush is dated Sep- tember 26th, 1782: " DEAR SJR, I was honored with your favor by Mr. Elliott, and most cordially thank you for the civilities received. It will give me great hap- piness to be indulged with an opportunity of re- turning them to a friend of yours. "Your already experienced kindness induces me once more to trouble you, though not on a similar occasion. Some new regulations are now proposed at our University in Cambridge, respect- ing the mode of conferring degrees in Physic on such of the Faculty as may merit them ; but the point in agitation is this : whether they shall be conferred after a certain prescribed course of studies, or solely upon the principle of merit, to be ascertained by strict examination in the vari- ous branches of the profession ? 1782.] MEDICAL INSTITUTION. 249 t( Hitherto, the degree of Master of Arts has been given three years after the degree of Bache- lor, to which latter, each student is entitled after four years' attendance on the exercises of the col- lege, so that any person, whatever, who had been four years at college, might receive his Bachelor's degree, and three years after, his Master's. This has been the established usage of the college ; no other medical degrees have been given, but such as are merely honorary. "It is now proposed to give them to all those whose education and proficiency shall merit them. They, however, would wish to avail themselves of the perusal of the rules of other institutions, and particularly that at Philadelphia, relating to the subject. I write, therefore, by desire of the Cor- poration of the College, to obtain information, whether degrees are given at Philadelphia, and whether they are conferred in course, or only upon examination and publishing or reading a thesis ? " By gratifying their wishes in a letter to me, by an early opportunity, you will lay me under great additional obligations. " I arn, dear sir, with the greatest esteem, your most obedient servant, J. WARREN." It must be recollected that in those days it took nearly as long to hear from Philadelphia as it now does by mail from London. Dr. Rush's reply is dated October 12th, and was sent to the Presi- dent by Dr. Warren, November 4th. 250 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. " DEAR SIR, Agreeably to the desire of the Corporation, I wrote to Dr. Rush of Philadelphia on the subject of degrees, requesting information whether they were conferred in course in the Uni- versity there or not, without a previous examina- tion of the qualifications of the candidates, and I have taken the liberty to inclose for the use of the Corporation his obliging answer, which I received yesterday, and which I believe will be of use in forming that article of your medical establishment which affects the graduation of students in the sev- eral branches. I am, sir," etc. "PHILADELPHIA, October 12th, 1782. "DEAR SIR, In consequence of the dissolution of the charter of our College by Mr. Reed's faction, I have ceased to exercise my professorship in the present University. The rules for graduating in the College, while I had the honor of teaching in it, were as follows : " No young man was ever admitted to an exam- ination for a Bachelor's degree in Medicine who had not previously attended the lectures on Anat- omy, Chemistry, the Materia Medica, and the Prac- tice of Physic. "The examinations were, 1st, private before the professors only; and 2d, public before the Trustees of the College, and as many as pleased to attend. " If the candidates had been admitted to de- grees in the arts, they were examined only in medicine ; if not, they were examined in the Latin 1782.] DR. RUSH'S LETTER. 251 language and Natural Philosophy. Between the private and public examinations, the candidate produced to the professors specimens of his abili- ties, by writing an answer to a physiological ques- tion, and by giving the treatment of such a case as should be described to him. " At the public commencement, orations and disputes upon medical subjects were introduced and conducted in the same way as in commence- ments in the arts. A charge was always delivered to the graduates, by one of the professors. " Three years after conferring the degree of B. M., the degree of M. D. was conferred upon the candidate producing a Latin dissertation upon some medical subject, and defending it publicly against such objections as should be made to it by any of the professors. After the degree of Doctor of Physic was conferred, the graduate was taken by the hand in a formal and solemn manner by each of the professors as a sign of his being ad- mitted to an equality of rank with them. With sincere wishes that medical science may flourish with you and never be chased from you by do- mestic broils, I am dear sir, with the greatest re- spect, your friend and humble servant." Domestic broils and external rivalries seem to have continued in the Philadelphia College for some years, until, in 1791, as Dr. Thacher says, some important changes took place, an harmo- nious union of the contending parties was effected, and Dr. Rush was appointed Professor of the " In- 252 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. stitutes and Practice of Physic and of Clinical Med- icine." In Edinburgh, the time required for study was not specified. A degree could be obtained in the following manner : "A student in physic may attend the lectures of the several professors on his application to them respectively. This is necessary for all candidates for degrees. It is common for him to attend two courses, after which he intimates to any one of the professors his desire to receive the honors of the University. No particular term of study is in- sisted on. Some time in the month of July is as- signed for the private examination by the profes- sors. This examination was formerly in Latin, but is now made in the English language, and com- prehends all the branches of the science. A sub- ject is then assigned for the candidate to write upon, and a certain time after, this performance is submitted to the professors for inspection, and it is expected that the candidate will readily answer all questions that shall be put to him on the subject. " If the candidate does not stand the test of the first examination, no case is given him. If he is approbated upon this last examination, he is or- dered to write a dissertation for publication, on any medical subject he may think proper. This is to be submitted to any one of the professors for correction. After this a degree is given." The Edinburgh Faculty, it appears, depended more upon the examination of a candidate for proof of his qualifications, than upon a d eternal- 1782.J MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. 253 nate period for study. This University, therefore, was frequently resorted to by Americans who studied their profession in Europe, but were un- willing to remain for a long period at one univer- sity. Dr. Waterhouse graduated there in 1780, and published a dissertation in the Latin language upon " Sympathy." Dr. John C. Warren, after a short residence and attendance upon the lectures, obtained a degree which by the rules of Harvard would have required one year, or two years' study, after his return home. I have given this account more fully, because it is interesting to know what were the requisitions of the institution, where many of our distinguished medical men graduated ; and which served to model our own. The professors at Harvard were re- quired to make the following declaration : " I, , elected professor in the University of Cambridge, declare myself to be of the Christian religion as maintained in the Protestant communion. I promise to discharge the trust now reposed in me with diligence and fidelity, and to the advance- ment of the students in my particular department. I promise to promote the interests of virtue and piety, by my own example and encouragement. I declare and promise that I will not only endeavor the advancement of medical knowledge in the University, but consult its prosperity in all other respects." On the twenty-second of November, 1782, Dr. John Warren was elected professor. The other elections were left for the further consideration of the Board. 254 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 29. His letter of acceptance to the Board of Over- seers, is dated December 3, and addressed to the Rev. Simeon Willard : " DEAR SIR, The flattering testimony of atten- tion which I yesterday received from the Hon. Board of Overseers of Harvard College in their vote of concurrence with the Corporation in their choice of a professor of Anatomy and Surgery, de- mands my warmest return of gratitude. " So far as my exertions may be rendered sub- servient to the interest of that University in which I had the honor to receive my education, so far, be assured, that they are at the command of the authority by which it is governed. " Ever desirous of contributing to the advance- ment of medical knowledge in a country which has many advantages for rivalling the most cele- brated schools of physic, I consider it my duty to employ my utmost efforts in promoting the designs of the Overseers by accepting the trust they have reposed in me." To the President and Corporation : " REV. SIR, I sensibly feel the honor dorle me by the Corporation of Harvard College in electing me a professor of Anatomy and Surgery in the University at Cambridge, and wish them to accept my warmest thanks for their attention. After so public spirited an exertion as has already been made by the governors of that University for the 1782.] PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY. 255 advancement of medical science, it would ill be- come me as a student and practitioner in that par- ticular branch of the arts and sciences, to refuse my mite towards the promotion of so generous a design. With a mind therefore impressed with the importance of that object, I think it my duty to declare my acceptance of the trust reposed in me, relying upon you to place that candid construc- tion on my conduct in the execution of my duty, to which I know I may safely appeal, from men of liberal minds." Thus the whole superintendence of the medical institution fell upon my father. He strongly urged the expediency of filling the other branches, and on the twenty-fourth of December, Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse was chosen Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic. He was a townsman and friend of my mother, was considered a young man of talents and attainments, and had received, as we have said, a foreign education. He was a ready writer and obtained much influence by the use of his pen. On the twenty-second of the following May, Dr. Aaron Dexter was chosen Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica. He was through life the in- timate friend of my father. He was doubtless the best qualified of any one at that time for this pro- fessorship. He seems to have been a better theo- rist than a practical chemist, for he frequently had occasion to remark to his class : " Gentlemen, the experiment has failed." He assured them, how- 256 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. ever, that as they had seen the principle, they could repeat the experiment in their own rooms with better probable success. It may not have been easy at that -period to obtain good materials. It is very possible that the very failure might have fixed the principle better in their minds than the success would have done. If he fully elucidated the general principles of the science, it was cer- tainly better than the performance of successful experiments, without the illustration of those prin- ciples. His inventive ingenuity, or his infelicity in carrying chemical principles into practice, led to some unfortunate results ; as in the invention of sugar mortar, for example. The addition of a cer- tain proportion of sugar into the mortar used for building, was to give additional hardness and dura- bility. Unfortunately for those who were induced to use it in building, it was soon found to crumble away. Dr. Warren and Dr. Waterhouse were inducted to their offices on the 7th of October, the follow- ing year. The ceremony was performed, and the oath or affirmation taken in the meeting-house. Inaugural discourses were read before the Gover- nors of the University, the students, and other at- tendants. Dr. Dexter having been absent at the time, was afterwards inducted before the Overseers and Corporation. Previous to the commencement of the lectures, a question arose as to whether there should be any rule of precedency among the professors. To ob- tain information upon the general usages in this 1783.] PRECEDENCY OF MEDICAL PROFESSORS. 257 respect, Dr. Warren addressed a letter to the son of Dr. Shippen, who was then in Boston. " DEAR SIR, You will oblige me by being so kind as to inform me whether there is any prece- dency in rank among the medical professors of the University at Philadelphia, and what the order of that precedency is ? Also what principle that ar- rangement is established upon. Whether upon seniority of age, graduation, or in practice ; or upon the usages and customs of foreign universi- sities, etc. J. WARREX." "BOSTON, February 10, 1783. " DEAR SIR, I have received your billet of the 7th ult., and will with pleasure answer you the questions contained in it, as precisely as I can. " To the first question, I can positively answer that there now exists a precedency in rank amongst the medical professors of the University of Penn- sylvania, and that this precedency is coeval with the Institution itself. The Professor of Anatomy sits on the right hand of the Provost, and is con- sidered the first. Next, the. Professor of Theory and Practice of Physic, and so on. " The next question cannot be so satisfactorily answered at present, but 'tis my belief that this or- der of precedence has always been the same. In that case, it must be in pursuance of the custom of European universities, as the Professors of Anatomy and Theory and Practice are of the same age in the practice of physic. " The Anatomical Professor's fee is five half joes, 17 258 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29, and the other professors six pistoles. Your request shall be complied with. " I have the honor to be, dear sir, " Your most obedient humble servant, " THOMAS LEE SHIPPEN." " PHILADELPHIA, March 10, 1783. " MY DEAR SIR, I promised you when I left Boston, that I would inform you respecting the or- der of precedency among the medical professors in our University, as soon as I got to Philadelphia. "'Tis in discharge of this promise that I now take the liberty to address you. I find, upon in- quiry, that this precedence in Europe as in America, has always depended upon seniority of appoint- ment, and that when it has happened that two pro- fessors were appointed at the same time, they were considered as equal, without any superiority or preference. Dr. Monroe, the Anatomical Professor at Edinburgh, is called the first professor, but it is entirely owing to his being the oldest. " You will oblige me in making my compliments to your lady and Miss Warren, as well as to my friends Lincoln and Gore. My father begs me to assure you of his esteem and good wishes for your prosperity and success. " I am,- dear sir, etc., " THOMAS LEE SHIPPEN." These two letters are interesting as being writ- ten by the only son of Dr. William Shippen, a young man of extraordinary talents and attain- ments, whose qualifications had obtained the re- 1783.] DEVOTED ATTACHMENT OF FATHER AND SON. 259 gard and affection of men so different as Washing- ton, Jefferson, and President Adams, and while in London had become intimate with Lord Shelburne. The attachment between son and father is said to have been seldom equalled. The latter " seemed to lose sight of himself, and forget that he also had a part to act, so fully was his attention absorbed by this endeared object. His strongest wish was to pass the remainder of his life as his son's guest. He therefore gave him the fairest portion of his estate. Such devoted attachments as this, between father and son, are seldom destined to be lasting, nor are such prospects often realized. Such brilliant tal- ents may be wanted elsewhere. It may be a wise decree of Providence for leading the survivor's thoughts and affections to dwell upon and make preparation for a better state ; or it may be, and too often really is the case, that the early seeds of disease may produce an abnormal development of genius, and, at the same time, produce a softness and grace of disposition which is universally at- tractive. However this may be, in 1792, young Shippen's health began to fail. In vain did his father devote almost his whole time to him, and consult at differ- ent times all his medical friends. After much .suf- fering, he died in 1792. In June, 1792, after several preparatory meet- ings, the first regular meeting of the Massachusetts Medical Society was held. The society was organ- ized, appointed a president, the members were en- 260 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. joined to communicate important cases, and the faculty at large invited to familiar correspondence. The number of Fellows was originally limited and confined to seventy. The most important province of the society, next to that of cultivating good feeling and diffus- ing medical knowledge among its members, con- sisted in its authority to examine and license can- didates for the practice of medicine. The regula- tions adopted by the society required the candidate to testify a competent knowledge of geometry, Greek, Latin, and experimental philosophy. A course of medical reading was prescribed, and subsequently, three years of study, under direction of a competent physician, and attendance upon his practice. The first licentiate, Nathaniel Parker, was ad- mitted this year. So long as there existed no other power in the State to confer licenses, the privilege was a valuable one ; but after the establishment of the medical school, and its ascertained power to confer degrees, there occurred a serious collision with that body, as will be seen hereafter. CHAPTER XIV. 1782. FREEMASONRY. DR. WARREN GRAND MASTER. Freemasons. Dr. Warren Grand Master. Charge. Treaty of Peace. Society of Cincinnati. Samuel Adams' Opinion. the sixth of December, 1782, my father was chosen Grand Master of the Massachusetts Lodge of Free Masons. The St. Johns' Grand Lodge (or Lodge of Modern Masons) had existed in Boston from the v year 1733, or anno lucis 5733. But in 1735, a number of Masons who had been initiated in the Ancient Lodges abroad, wished to form an Ancient Grand Lodge in Boston. A^ dispensation was obtained from the Grand Master of Scotland, Shotto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, and at a festival held on the twenty-seventh of December, anno lucis 5769, a commission was read from George, Earl of Dal- housie, then Grand Master, appointing Joseph Warren Grand Master of Masons in Boston, and within one hundred miles of the same. A com- mission bearing date March third, 5773, was sub- sequently issued by Patrick, Earl of Dumfries, Grand Master, appointing Joseph Warren Grand Master of Masons for the Continent of America. The breaking out of the Revolutionary War dis- 262 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. persed the Masons, many of whom "belonged to the English army ; but on the discovery of the re- mains of their late Grand Master, on the eighth of April, 1776, a large and respectable number of the brethren, with their late grand officers, assembled to attend his obsequies, and followed in procession from the State House to the Stone Chapel, where a eulogy was delivered, as before mentioned, by brother Perez Morton. We are told that it was owing to the pious regard to the memory of their late Grand Master, that a search was made soon after the evacuation of Boston by the British, which resulted in the discovery of the remains. On the subsequent March, a regular meeting was held once . more ; and now after republican fashion : " The political head of this country hav- ing destroyed all connection and correspondence between the subjects of these States, and the coun- try from which the Grand Lodge originally derived its commissioned authority, and the principles of the craft inculcating submission to the commands of the civil authority of the country they reside in, the brethren did assume an elective supremacy, and under it. chose a Grand Master and Grand officers, and erected a Grand Lodge, with independ- ent powers and prerogatives, to be exercised, how- ever, on principles consistent with and subordinate to the regulations pointed out in the constitutions of ancient Masonry." Joseph Webb, who succeeded General Warren as Grand Master, nominated John Warren as his suc- cessor, and he was unanimously elected. At the 1782.] MASONIC CHARGE. 263 festival on the 24th of June, the Rev. John Elliot preached a sermon at the Stone Chapel, and Dr. Warren gave the charge. The festival was cele- brated at Faneuil Hall. I shall only give here one passage from this charge, which has reference to the female portion of his audience. The whole charge will be given at the end of the volume. " A Free and accepted Mason can never be in- sensible to the charms of that part of our species, without which the globe itself would be to us a void ; nor can we forbear to avow the regret we feel in being deprived of their society in our lodges, but as it would give us infinite pain to see the ten- der sex encountering the fatigues and labors of the masonic art, we console ourselves with bestowing upon them the fruits arising from our toils and in- dustry ; and it will suffice to observe that they, too, well know the relation subsisting between friend- ship and love, and are too sensible that a heart which is enraptured with the symmetry of nature, cannot be callous to the more captivating charms of mental virtue to admit of a belief that want of confidence in them induced their exclusion. " To conform the heart and manners to the re- fined sentiments of a virtuous mind ; to warm the soul with the real feelings of humanity ; in fine, to merit the esteem and favor of the fair; to soothe their cares and mitigate their pains, are amongst the great objects of our noble institution ; and it is a sacred truth that the more sublime the degrees to which we attain in Free Masonry, the more highly shall we admire their excellences, and the more zealously employ our efforts in their service." 264 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 29. " To conclude; may the great Architect of Na- ture, and the Supreme Grand Master of the Uni- verse ever preside in our assemblies ; and whilst we sit around the social board in celebration of this annual festival, may peace, and harmony, and mirth abound. " For God is paid when man receives. To enjoy is to obey." My father continued his interest in this institu- tion through life. On the second of April in 1792, he was appointed chairman of a committee " with full power to consider and compile a book of Con- stitutions containing all things necessary for the use of the fraternity." This work was undertaken and carried through with such diligence that it was ready for publication and received the sanction of the Grand Master and Grand Wardens on the tenth of May following. The Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, Librarian of the University of Cambridge, was appointed to superintend the publication. Those who witnessed the laying of the corner- stone of the Bunker Hill Monument in 1825, one of the last great displays of Masonry, will recollect the figure of the venerable Dr. Harris, as he walked in the procession as Grand Chaplain. This work is dedicated to "our illustrious brother, George Washington, the friend of Masonry, of his country, and of man." That such men as Washington, Lafayette, Joseph Warren, were friends of Masonry, is primd facie evidence of the purity of the institution. The two grand pillars which support the fabric were rep- 1782.] MASONRY. 265 resented as " Piety towards God, the glorious mas- ter and builder of the Universe, and Love to Man- kind." While the Mason promised to befriend and relieve with unhesitating cordiality every brother who needed assistance, remind him in the most tender manner of his failings, and aid in his refor- mation ; to vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced, and suggest in his behalf the most can- did and favorable explanations, he was strongly enjoined to do good unto all ; to practice strict temperance, obedience to rulers; and above all things, to cultivate benevolence and charity. We see that Masonry was intended to support, as its highest object, the two grand principles of Christianity, Love to God and Man ; and to carry them out into trie most exalted views of love of country and obedience to rulers ; a chivalrous de- votion and reverence for the feebler sex, and a generous sympathy for all. This is more than sufficient answer to one of the aspersions against the society, that a public officer or juryman would promote the escape of a felon because he was a brother mason. Love of order, obedience to rulers, all the grand principles of the craft, would be violated by so doing. Has it ever been supposed that Washington suffered a criminal to escape, because he was a Mason, or would he have pardoned Andre had he made an appeal to him as a brother? A provisional treaty of peace betw r een England and America was signed at Paris on the thirtieth 266 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. |AGE 29. of November, 1782, and made definitive on the thirtieth of November in the succeeding year. The former was announced to Congress on the 20th of January. On the first of May, by suggestion of General Knox, the officers of the army met together and agreed to form a society. Eight years of inter- course, during which they had been exposed to common hardships and sufferings, and exulted in common over well earned success, had endeared them to each other, and they naturally felt re- gret at their approaching dissolution. They there- fore agreed to form a brotherhood under the name of the " Cincinnati," intended to keep up a friendly connection with each other so long as they lived, and which should descend to their children in a direct line as long as any of their posterity remained ; the elder son taking the place of his father. Each officer was to contribute one month's pay, to be used as a fund, for the subsistence of the destitute only, among the fam- ilies of their members and their descendants. This plan met with the warm approbation of General Washington, who was chosen first presi- dent, to remain in office till the general meeting of the society, which was to be held in May, 1784. The society was to have Insignia entitled the Order of the Cincinnati. It is perfectly astonishing, at the present 'time, how great jealousy and suspicion this simple or- ganization created ; though at that time the pop- ular detestation of royalty and aristocracy was not 782. J ORDER OF THE CINCINNATI. 267 so great as it subsequently became from the con- tagion of the French Revolution. My father in his Masonic Charge, before a mixed audience, while commending Masonry, repeatedly styles it a " royal institution," without fearing that the term would confer opprobrium. But there were men who thought they saw in the insignia, the descent to the eldest son, and the means for raising a fund, the first steps towards an order of nobility. Among the most excited of these was Samuel Adams. In a letter to Mr. Gerry, he says, " I ob- serve by the inclosed paper, that the Cincinnati in Congress assembled are to meet in Philadelphia the fifth of May, and that General Washington is to preside. That gentleman has an idea of the nature and tendency of the order very different from mine, otherwise I am certain he never would have given it his sanction. I look upon it to be as rapid a stride towards an hereditary military nobility, as ever was made in so short a time." The Legislature of Massachusetts commenced the opposition, which extended through the other States. The judgment and coolness of Washing- ton, however, allayed the storm, some slight mod- ifications were made, the society preserved its ex- istence, and has continued in its placid and chari- table course to this day. The dangers to a nation which are the most feared^ are the least likely to happen. Military glory is the most dazzling in itself, and is the cheapest course to fame. Perhaps the combination of profound statesmanship with great military skill, 268 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 29. I forms the greatest attribute of genius. Prompti- tude, decision, watchfulness, above all, unvaried coolness and the power to command, to obtain in- stant obedience, are indispensable, especially under a republican form of government. Mere routine or mere impetuosity may win a fight ; but to con- duct a mighty war, the highest order of talent is demanded. It is vain to attempt to depreciate military fame. The same skill and knowledge of human nature, above all, the same patience and hardihood against personal attacks, and against the impatient efforts of those who would hurry a commander on to action, when more can be gained by delay, are equally important in a chief magis- trate and in the commander of an army. In our country, a popular military leader is too closely watched ; he excites too much jealousy j he has too many rivals to allow him to become dangerous. Not even Washington could have es- tablished a despotism, had he been so disposed. Still less could Andrew Jackson. If it ever does take place, it will be preceded by years of anarchy. The dangers of this country have been proved to be very different. A peace of fifty years for the Mexican war, not very popular at the North, hardly disturbed the quiet of the country, and certainly did not encourage a warlike spirit had brought contempt upon military affairs ; and the rising generation seemed to think that war was a thing of the past. They supposed that civiliza- tion had advanced so far, that the love of acquisi- tion had become so great, and the cost of war so 1782.] THE CINCINNATI. 269 well understood, that the sword might actually be beaten into the ploughshare, and the spear into the pruning hook. But up to the peace of 1783, the country had always been in a state of warfare. First the incessant warfare with the Indians, and afterwards the French war, excited and kept up the military spirit as essential to the very exis- tence of the country. Whatever may have been my father's opinion of the institution of the Cincinnati, prudential motives as well as limited means prevented him from becoming a member, although, having served through the war, his name is upon the list of those entitled to membership. CHAPTER XV. 1782-1783. SHAY'S REBELLION. Peace, Troubles, Lawsuits. Pure Democracy. Extract from Dr. Warren's Speech. Riots at Northampton. Eli Shay. Fourth of July Oration, 1 783. English Feeling. country had now won a glorious peace, and established her independence. Now then, her soldiers ought to be able to retire to their homes in the enjoyment of a competence and the honor- able distinction they had won ; her citizens culti- vate the arts and sciences, practice their professions, and exercise their industry in mechanical pursuits, or in the cultivation of land. But this could not exactly take place. A debt of two hundred millions had been incurred; the army was to be disbanded, throwing out of em- ployment a vast number of people whose habits during an eight years' war had become unfavor- able to the quiet labors of civil life. Upon disbanding the army, Congress had de- cided that full pay, for five years for the officers, should be substituted for half pay for life. It was a most perplexing question, one of -the greatest difficulty, how to raise the money for paying this amount, and the accrued interest. The war 1"83.] TROUBLES. LAWSUITS. 271 had originated in opposition to taxation, and hence taxation was utterly obnoxious. For what had they incurred all the loss and hardships of a protracted war, it might be said, if they were to be obliged to pay heavier taxes than before ? Private debts had accumulated, and the resort to law for the payment of those debts, was a source of great trouble. In Massachusetts in 1782, more than two thousand actions were entered in Worcester County alone. The costs of suit had accumulated, and it was asserted that the lawyers, who had greatly multiplied, were growing rich at the expense of their clients. The importation of British goods which flowed in upon the cessation of war, was complained of as a source of unnecessary luxury and expense. Thus even before the proclamation of peace, discontents had arisen, especially in Massachusetts, and soon became formidable enough to give un- easiness to every one who felt as deep an interest as Dr. Warren, in the welfare of his country. The State Senate was also an object of jealousy and suspicion. This too might in time become an order of nobility. At any rate it was expensive and useless. The House of Representatives, it was said, was more than sufficient to make laws and decide all public questions. That, perhaps, was a necessary evil ; a violation indeed of pure demo- cratic principles, but a necessary yielding to the infirmities of human nature. In a pure democracy, all matters should be de- 272 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 30. cided by the whole people, in general assembly. Every man, woman, and child, should give their vote, and even questions of law and right be de- termined, without the intervention of court, judges, or lawyers ; perhaps, even, without sheriffs, consta- bles, or executioners. It is, as the French say, tout simple. It is only necessary that every individual should do that which is just and wise, and respect the rights of others. What need is there of all the cumbrous machinery of legislators, magistrates, and lawyers, who fatten upon the crimes and follies of their fellow-citizens, and are of such immense ex- pense to the community ? Perhaps it was well for Massachusetts, as for the rest of the world, that democratic principles were so soon worked out to the demonstrationem ad ab- surdum on the stage of France. At the time I am speaking of, the States were loosely held together by the articles of confederation. The Constitution was not yet formed. From 1783 to 1786, disturb- ances were increasing, and the state of things ex- isted which is forcibly described, from personal recollection, by Dr. John C. Warren, in his Faneuil Hall speech in 1850, published in his "Biography." " It has been my lot to have lived during a pe- riod when there was no Constitution and no Un- ion ; when there was no commerce, no manu- factures, little of agricultural, or of any of the arts, calculated to make a powerful and a happy people. It was a period when there was no sound currency, no confidence between man and man, no harmony 1783.] RIOTS IN NORTHAMPTON. 273 in the action of the different States. It was a period when men's hands were "turned against their neighbors ; when the courts were beset by armed men ; when law and justice were trampled under foot ; when our best towns and villages were threatened with pillage, fire, and the sword ; when the soil was polluted with the blood of its own citizens. I remember the unorganized little band of fathers of families, who in that emergency issued from this place, feebly provided with arms, or oth- er means calculated to put down a daring and desperate rebellion. What a dark moment was this ! What a dreadful foreboding arose in the minds of those who had been expending their labor, their treasure, and their blood for the safety of an unhappy country ! " As early as 1782, a riot occurred in Northamp- ton, stirred up by a disappointed and unprincipled clergyman, of the name of Ely. He was arrested, but was rescued by his followers, three of whom were seized and sent to prison. A mob of three hundred assembled, to effect the libera- tion of these men. The militia, to the amount of twelve hundred, were called out for the defence of the jail, but their commander was induced to yield to the demands of the mob, and the prisoners were released upon the condition of their surren- der upon order of the court. They were subse- quently pardoned, and this lenity encouraged the fomentation of other disturbances, which came to 18 274 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 30. a head in the breaking out of the rebellion of Shays, in 1786. At the period which he describes, John C. War- ren was only eight years old, arid the vivid impres- sion made upon his mind, affords the strongest evidence of the intense interest and anxiety which his father felt and manifested. He called upon even his youngest children to share his feelings, and witness the outpouring of his spirit upon the dangers and fearful license of the country. His peri and his voice were active, and when the time came, he could not refrain from changing the am- putating knife for the sword. He does not seem to have felt any of the love which his children had for the w r eapons of war. He had probably seen too much of their serious and fatal use to love them for themselves, or associate them with matters of pleasure or ro- mance. He had also a nervous horror of the danger of their use, as playthings. When it was necessary, he provided himself with arms suitable for the occasion. During the danger of invasion in the War of 1812, he did not rest until he had obtained a perfect musket, fresh from the manufac- tory. At the time I am speaking of, he purchased a new sword for the occasion, and assisted in get- ting up the little band of "fathers of families," which his son has described. Notwithstanding his distress at the condition of the country, this expedition was very exhilarating to my father. It renewed the association with old companions, it revived military sensations, and the i783.| SHAYS' REBELLION. 275 party left town in high spirits, as if on a pleasure excursion. Mr. Barry says, " The insurgents, to the number of four hundred, from Hampshire and Worcester, rendezvoused at Shrewsbury, a few days before the opening of the court. While thus posted, a party of horsemen, twenty in number, all men of large fortunes, set out to arrest them, but the in- surgents were informed of their approach, and removed to Holden, and from thence to Grafton. This account of twenty horsemen going out to arrest a party of four hundred insurgents, reminds one a little of the story of an Irishman in the Rev- olution, who brought in a company of English soldiers, whom he said he had surrounded. By appearing suddenly upon them from a thick wood, and ordering them to surrender, they had in fact been seized with panic, and laid down their arms, fully convinced that he was supported by a large party. The weight of character and influence doubtless, did much to strike terror into the insurgent body. They were not prepared to resist the determined attack of a body of horse, however small in num- ber, composed of men who held an important stake in the Commonwealth, and who had taken conspicuous parts in civil, if not in military affairs. Such men were more formidable to encounter than an army of militia, who might be supposed more than half-inclined to sympathize with the insur- gents. This party, which was under the command of 276 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. LAoB 30. Col. Benjamin Hichborn, was afterwards joined by another from Groton, increasing the number to one hundred. They made two prisoners, Parker and Page ; and subsequently arrested the principal leader, Shattuck ; the latter, after an obstinate re- sistance. The party returned to Boston, after having pervaded the country for near fifty miles, and lodged their three prisoners in jail. "The short time in which this excursion was performed," says Judge Minot, " and the extreme severity of the weather, rendered the execution of this service as honorable to the gentlemen who subjected themselves to it, as their motives in the undertaking were commendable. This expedition was a very important event. By it the sword of the government was unsheathed." They were armed with warrants for the arrest of the insur- gents, and thus evinced its determination to put down the insurrection. This rebellion was soon suppressed. Thirteen prisoners were condemned to death, others re- ceived sentences according to the degree of their offences, while one, a member of the House of Representatives, was adjudged to sit upon the gal- lows with a rope round his neck, was fined fifty pounds, and bound over to keep the peace for five years. It is very probable that the little band of volun- teers made lighter of this affair, in order to quiet the apprehensions of their families. However this may be, they seemed to regard it merely in the light of a party of pleasure. They were men who well 1783.] SHAYS' REBELLION. 277 knew the effect of prompt and bold measures, ex- erted against an undisciplined body of men, re- cently drawn together. It is recorded that it was completely successful, and unattended with blood- shed. Shattuck was severely wounded, but no one was killed. At this period, Dr. Warren was the father of five living children, having lost two shortly after birth. In order to give a connected view of what is called Shays' Rebellion, it was necessary to go on some years in advance. We must now return to the period, immediately succeeding the proclama- tion of peace. It is well known that up to the conclusion of the war, it had always been the custom to com- memorate the anniversary of the Boston Massacre, by appropriate ceremonies, and an oration, partly designed to keep up the resentment of the people against the English government. Dr. Welsh de- livered the last of these orations on the fifth of March, 1783, and it was then proposed that as the object of commemorating this day had ceased, that of the Declaration of Independence should be substituted. In a meeting held upon this subject, James Otis presided, and it was his last public ap- pearance. Another meeting was held in Faneuil Hall, and it was there announced that Dr. John Warren would deliver an oration in Brattle Street Church, as soon as the General Court had ended its morn- ing session on the Fourth of July. The fact that two of the Fifth of March orations had been de- 278 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 30. livered by Joseph Warren, the last on the sixth of March, 1775, when the pulpit was in possession of British "officers, and he entered it by the window, naturally suggested the brother of the slain orator as the proper person for the present occasion. Dr. Warren's answer to the committee, who applied to him for a copy of his " learned and ele- gant oration," as they styled it, is characteristic and sincere. He says, " On condition that the honesty of my intentions, and the warmth of my feelings on the important event, which was the subject of this oration, may be admitted to atone for the imperfections of the performance, I deliver a copy for the press." The speaker indulges in no appeals to the vanity and exultation of his hearers, in no opening congratulations on the deeds which had been done, the hardships and sufferings they had undergone, of which he could have feelingly spoken from personal experience. He felt too seriously the labors of the past, and the dangers of the future. None could feel more deeply than he did, the price at which freedom had been purchased. No one could see more clearly the dangers of the future, the exertions, the foresight, above all the virtue, necessary to keep what had been gained. He gives a sober and succinct view of the causes which led the British ministry to adopt those measures which excited resistance. In conclusion, he says : " If to the latest ages, we retain the spirit which gave our independence birth', if, taught by the fatal evils that have sub- 1783.] FOURTH OF JULY ORATION. 279 verted so many mighty states, we learn to sacrifice our dearest interests in our country's cause, enjoin upon our children a solemn veneration for her laws as, next to adoration of their God ? the great concern of man, and seal the precept with our last expiring breath, these' STARS that even now en- lighten half the world, shall shine a glorious con- stellation in the Western hemisphere, till stars and suns shall cease to shine, and all the kingdoms of this globe shall vanish like a scroll." The concluding words of this address were no vain oratorical declamation. He had given ample proof that he was ready at all times to give his life for his country if occasion demanded. The motto of his brother was at his heart, " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." His great character- istic through life ns described by his biographers, and which I shall often have occasion to allude to, was his utter forgetfulness of self, and the safety and welfare of his country was second only to his duty to God. In this oration, he shows that like all the states- men and patriots of his time, he had deeply studied the history of the ancient republics, and the wri- ters of modern history and government ; and that he had deeply reflected upon their teachings ; seeking to ascertain the causes of a people's rise to greatness, as well as those which ultimately lead to their destruction. Though taking no prominent part in public life, and fully occupied in his profession, he did not feel himself justified in neglecting to inform himself fully upon every sub- 280 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Ace 30. ject connected with the welfare and permanence of those institutions, for which he had labored and suffered. Dr. Warren shows from the example of other nations, both ancient and modern, that as soon as the prosperity of a state leads to the acquisi- tion of great wealth, and its citizens become en- tirely engrossed in the pursuit of arts, commerce, trade, and manufactures ; when public spirit is no longer regarded a virtue ; when patriotism is sneered at as a thing which is not ; when the talented and the wealthy are no longer willing to leave more profitable pursuits for public duties general corruption ensues, offices are bargained for and purchased ; the representatives of the people obtain votes by cajolery and bribery, and then sell their influence to reimburse themselves ; fraud and embezzlement are resorted to to make these offices profitable. Government falls into the hands of those whose motto is, " After me the Deluge ;" whose highest aim is to temporize, com- promise with present evils, and cover over those seeds of destruction and decay, which in due time shall germinate, and bring forth rich fruit after their own ambition has been satisfied. Thus, as the orator has said, a nation is never in so much danger as when it thinks itself most prosperous. Men's minds and bodies become en- ervated by luxury and pleasure ; they are sleeping Upon the brink of a volcano, and it is only an eruption or an earthquake can arouse them to a sense of the necessity of self preservation. 1783.] DANGERS TO LIBERTY. 281 If the eruption does not come in time, a hardier race brought up in poverty and labor comes from abroad, or rises up amongst them ; the people loath to give up the pursuit of gain and its attend- ant luxuries, unarmed, and unused to the exer- cise of arms, compromise, make peace, or still more fatally resort to purchased aid from abroad, which is sure to subjugate them at no distant period. Even at the early period of this oration, foreign goods had begun to pour in, giving rise among the needy classes to bitter complaints of luxury and extravagance ; so that reflecting patriots had rea- son to foresee future danger from this source. The European war restricting commerce, and finally involving us in its vortex, produced a long period of poverty and deprivation, and kept back the issue for a time. There may be few now liv- ing who remember the high prices, and the conse- sequent deprivation and sufferings of all persons of moderate means in 1812-1815 ; when there were very few, if any, who from necessity or pub- lic feeling, did not give up their luxuries, and con- fine themselves to little more than the bare neces- sities of life. The growing luxury was checked, and the generation grew up and were confirmed in the simple habits of their ancestors. But from 1815 to 1860, an essential change had gradually taken place. The earthquake came, and found the whole nation sleeping, in its devotion to gain and luxury. It aroused nobly to the work ; but at what a fearful cost of its best lives was it redeemed. I do not say at a cost of treasure, for 282 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 30. the impulse given to industry and energy has re- sulted in ten times the amount of wealth. What the present state of things is, a reflect- ing mind may judge, when crimes that were for- merly punishable with death, are now condoned and spoken of with toleration ; when even mur- der is palliated because it was provoked ; when, what forty years ago was considered infidelity and blasphemy, are daily published in our newspapers, or discussed in private circles under the head of Advanced views, or at the worst, Radicalism. From the view which Dr. Warren has given of the causes of the Revolutionary War, we may draw another inference. If England, even from the moment almost of the landing of her colonists, looked upon them with jealous eyes, and as soon as they began to turn their attention to manufac- tures, feared their rising to independence and ri- valry, if she early took means to check their advance, is it probable that she ever could or ever can look upon the increasing prosperity of Amer- ica with joy ? England is traditionary in all her habits and feelings. It is in vain for the wise and the reflect- ing to say that the prosperity of one country con- tributes to that of all its allies ; that the good of the whole is the good of each nation, just as the welfare of the State contributes to the happiness of the individual. No one objects to the maxim; and England and America have so often assured each other of their full conviction that the welfare of each is intimately connected with their mutual 1783.] DANGERS TO LIBERTY. 283 prosperity, that the words have lost their meaning. We know now, what we might have known before the Rebellion, that there is an undercurrent of jealousy ever ready to break out on a suitable oc- casion ; and unless she sinks, or has sunk to a sec- ond rate power, England will ever be pleased at anything which results in the humiliation of the United States. CHAPTER XV. 1783-1784. PROGRESS OF THE MEDICAL INSTITUTION. Medical Institution. Lectures. Difficulties with the Medical Society. Application to admit Students to the Alms-house. Remonstrances of the Society. "Extraordinary Resolutions." John Warren's Memorial to the Legislature. 1V/TEANWHILE, the interests of the new medical institution made great demands upon my father's care and labors. The whole burden of making it successful, rested upon him. The pro- fessors were inducted into office, as already stated, in 1783. The first course of lectures was deliv- ered in 1784, in apartments quite unfit for the purpose. Some years afterwards, the building which had been called the Old Chapel, at Cam- bridge, was fitted up, and the lectures on Anatomy, Surgery, and Materia Medica, delivered there. Af- terwards, accommodations were furnished for the chemical lectures. The building, however, was too small for the purposes required. I have already spoken of the manner in which my father interested the students, and held them in fixed attention during a lecture of two hours' length ; for he did not limit himself to a fixed time. 1783.]] DB. WARREN AS A LECTURER. 285 All his biographers have attributed to him a rare elo- quence. I have heard it described by those who heard him. His own warmth and enthusiasm communicated itself to his hearers. It was not a dry account of bones, muscles, and bloodvessels. It was an eager description of the structure of a wonderful machine, such as would be given by an enthusiastic artist, of a complicated invention in which he was deeply interested. The number of medical students who attended the lectures was small, but as the President permit- ted the two elder classes to attend the lectures, the rooms were well filled. We find the first medical graduate stand alone in the College catalogue; Gilbert Pearson, 1789, Bachelor of Arts. Then comes Nathan Smith, in 1790, with a host of titles. Afterwards a single name in each year, except two in 1794, until 1812, when there were three who received the degree of M. D.. The infant institution was doomed to encounter severe obstacles at the outset. One of the original articles contained the following words : " That every student who on examination shall be judged qualified to enter upon the practice of surgery, shall have a certificate under the seal of the Uni- versity, that he has had a regular medical educa- cation, and that on a public examination he has been found qualified for such practice." This cer- tificate was to be signed by the President, medical professors, and the other professors of the Univer- sity. To this article, the Massachusetts Medical Soci- 286 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 31. ety objected, and alleged that it would operate as an interference with that body in the letters testi- monial, which their censors were required to give to such students of physic, as on examination had been found qualified for the practice of medi- cine and surgery. A committee of the Medical Society was appoint- ed as early as the fifteenth of October, 1783, to inquire whether the doings of any of the literary societies in this Commonwealth did interfere with the charter rights of the Medical Society ? Another committee reported, " that, taking it for granted that a positive and explicit right of exam- ining candidates for the practice of physic and surgery, and licensing them therefor, is, by the law of the Commonwealth conferred upon, and made the indispensable duty of the Massachusetts Medical Society, they cannot conceive it was ever the intention of the legislature to constitute two heads or bodies for the same thing, which in its nature must produce jealousies and clashing of in- terests, and in general, injure the cause of medical learning.'' This report was adopted by the Medical Society, and an opinion expressed in a formal order, that the interference tended to produce appeals by re- jected candidates, from one body to the other ; and a committee was forthwith appointed to prepare and present a memorial to the Legislature, for an explanation of the subject, to be signed by the president and the recording secretary. A memorial was accordingly prepared, stating 1783.] DIFFICULTIES WITH MEDICAL SOCIETY. 287 that jealousies and dissatisfaction had arisen in the society, from the interference in question, the pro- gress of medical science was retarded, and the be- nevolent designs of government in instituting the society, in a great measure frustrated. They there- fore, request the Legislature to take these circum- stances into consideration, and adopt such measures as they shall think best adapted to the removal of these evils. A fact that had been communicated to the soci- ety, that the exceptionable article had been re- pealed by the government of the University, and that the power of universities to confer degrees was inalienably inherent in these establishments, having on explanation of the subject been satisfac- torily ascertained, all further proceedings were suspended, and the two institutions have hence- forth exerted their respective functions in perfect friendship and honor with each other, the one in teaching, and the other in licensing practitioners in medicine. Another obstacle soon occurred, to the desired progress of the institution. " The Corporation, deeply impressed with the importance of practical instruction to the success of a medical school, thought proper to apply to the overseers of the poor of the town of Boston, for their consent to admit the medical professors to the Hospital department of the Almshouse, for the purpose of clinical instruction. By this -measure, it was hoped that opportunity would be afforded for teaching their pupils the theory and practice 288 LIFE OF DR. JOJJN WARREN. [ AGE 31. of physic, and exemplifying the operations of sur- gery, in a manner which was utterly impracticable in the town of Cambridge. u Proposals were accordingly made to the Board of Overseers, for taking charge of the sick, and presented with the signature of President Willard, authorizing the transaction, under the date of the 19th of April, 1784." Dr. Warren had been appointed to the charge of the State sick in the Almshouse, in 1782. The proposals excited the distrust of the Boston Medi- cal Society, who, after due discussion, passed certain votes which 1 find labelled by my father, " Ex- traordinary Resolutions of the Boston Association." As matter of history, it seems proper to give them. " At a meeting of the Boston Medical Society. May 3d, 1784 : Present, Drs. Peckar, Lloyd, Gard- ner, Danforth, Rand, Jarvis, Kast, Curtis, Welsh, Appleton, Adams, Townsend, Eustis, Homer, and Whitwell. " Upon resuming the subject of last evening's debate, the following vote passed unanimously in the affirmative. " 1st. That the annual choice of Physician to the Almshouse, has originated on the part of the Overseers of the Poor in the laudable motive oi giving every encouragement in their power to the gentlemen of the faculty in this town consistent with their duty to the public. " 2d. That the thanks of the Society are due to the Overseers, for the solicitude discovered by that respectable board, on all occasions to promote the interest of its members. ' 1784.J "EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS." 289 " 3d. That our public medical business has been hitherto transacted on terms of perfect equality, at least as far as circumstances and situations would admit; and of course, that if it should be deemed expedient from the consideration of benefit pre- sumed to result from the establishment of public institutions, to teach the medical art in this town, that a new system of transacting such business should be adopted. In that case, that the same principles of equality should still be maintained as far as may be, and that no one or more mem- bers* of this society, ought in reason, or can in justice, desire to procure those advantages to them- selves to which e.very other is equally entitled. " 4th. That in the opinion of this society the scheme of annexing a medical establishment in this town to the College in Cambridge, is not only impracticable, but nugatory, as the pupils can never attend upon such an establishment at such a distance, consistently with the best regard to discipline and good order, so necessary to be ob- served in that University. And that in the opin- ion of this society, though the good of the Univer- sity is the pretext, the interest of the gentlemen concerned is the real motive of their conduct. " 5th. That this society will cheerfully concur in any reasonable plan for the promotion of medical knowledge, which undoubtedly was one of the principal objects of its institution, but have no idea of this disposition being wrested to the disadvan- tage of the society in general to serve the purposes of a few at the expense of the rest. 19 290 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 31. " 6th. That the argument of public utility comes with the worse grace from one of those gentlemen, as his pecuniary demands against the government for his attendance on the State's poor, are more than double any that were ever made in the same period for the same business. " 7th. That the Faculty in general, and those that have not had the care of the Almshouse in particular, must necessarily be much injured, if the plan of annexing that house to the College is carried into effect. " 8th. That this society cannot be satisfied, un- less the gentlemen referred to, do in the most explicit manner renounce all pretensions as profes- sors to the care of the Almshonse. " 9th. That any disagreement or any other ill consequence resulting from this attempt to direct the public medical business from its usual channels, cannot be imputed to this society, but must wholly rest with the gentlemen who first originated this difficulty. " 10th. That if the medical professors shall per- sist in the above mentioned attempt, they shall be considered as having violated our association. " llth. That a committee of three be appointed to present to the Overseers, the first, second, and fourth vote of this evening, and to confer with them on the subject, and that Drs. Gardner, Jarvis, and Danforth, were accordingly appointed. " A true copy, Attest : " TH. KAST, Secretary." 1784.] DR. JOHN WARREN'S MEMORIAL. 291 These resolutions, which may be well called " extraordinary," as proceeding from a grave body of well educated physicians, seem drawn up with more regard to energy, than to elegance of style, or to good grammar. One cannot help being re- minded of a tempest in a tea-pot. My father's devotion to his favorite science, and his earnest desire that the medical student should have every advantage he could obtain for him, had unwit- tingly called down this storm upon his head. This biography would be very imperfect were I to pass over in silence such matters as these, which to my father's sensitive mind, for he was " all naked feel- ing and raw life," were worse than the torments of purgatory. Yet entirely ignoring his own feel- ings, he never allowed opposition to retard his efforts for what he was convinced was for the good of his patients and the profession. The subject of the sixth resolution might at first be deemed to refer to less disinterested conduct. But it must be considered that, next to his duty to his country and his patients, it was necessary for him to provide for the demands of his own family, to the number of which almost every year brought an increase. This sixth resolution owes its origin, probably, to an application made by my father at this time to the Legislature, for payment for attendance at the Almshouse, on the State poor. The Memorial will speak best for itself. It shows : " That your memorialist was elected in the year 292 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 31. 1782, to the medical care of the State sick In the Almshouse of this town, and that no exceptions having been stipulated, he accepted the trust from an idea that the same principles of charge and payment were to be observed, as had from time immemorial been the practice. That relying firmly on this contract, he performed the services of the house to the best of his ability, and charged therefor in exact conformity to established usage, and that the amount of the account little exceeds the allowance made for similar services twelve years ago, when the number of the sick was much less than at the time in which those services were performed, when they were exceedingly numerous ; which facts have been made to appear to your Committee, formally appointed for their examina- tion. That the said account has been regularly vouched by the Selectmen of the town. That it has been laying before the honorable Court for a number of years, in consequence of which your memorialist, by the laying out of his money, has been a great sufferer. " Your memorialist, therefore, humbly submits to the judgment of the honorable Court, the justice of disallowing, after the services have been performed, the principles implied in the contract, which were evidently those of established usage ; no conditions of exception having been mentioned before the per- formance of those services ; and further humbly re- quests your Honors to take such measures on the case for a final settlement, as your Honors in your wisdom shall think equitable. And your memorialist," etc. 1784.] SILK STOCKINGS. 293 It might be natural to suppose that an increase in the number of patients, and of course in the time and labor of attendance, as well as in the amount of medicine consumed, ought to require a higher amount of compensation. Dr. Warren's demands seem perfectly reasonable, on the ground that no understanding to the contrary having been made, he ought to receive compensation for servi- ces and expenses in the manner that had always been customary. The application, of which the above is a copy, however, was made in 1786, and had been preceded by several others. One of these is labelled, " Another of my useless petitions to obtain my just rights." This one was not more successful. The compensation was so small, at best, that he states elsewhere, a physician would not accept the office, were it not for the advantage to his pupils. It is true that young physicians can always be found, who will take such offices merely for the experience which they give, but my father had now been over ten years in practice, and had well secured the confidence of the commu- nity.- The Legislature, however, at this time, were perplexed between the numerous demands upon them, in consequence of the war, the deranged currency, and the odium of a direct tax. How minute were the matters which then called for their care, may be seen by the fact stated else- where, that when the son of General Warren re- quired a pair of silk stockings upon some remarka- ble occasion, it was necessary to apply to the Legislature. " A grateful country" had agreed to 294 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. ' [AGE 31. provide for his education. The expense was to be paid in the first instance, by the State, which was to be reimbursed by Congress. Whoever has had occasion to draw up such a petition to a legislature, or still more to a hospital or an almshouse board, must, I think, enjoy the fol- lowing parody, which I find in my mother's hand- writing. It is addressed to Congress. " To the most superlatively magnificent, the Continental Congress. " Ego sum pauper, tu es pauperum benefactor. " GENTLEMEN, With a mind laboring under the convulsive pangs of strong convictions, wrought by the irresistible rays of your refulgent wisdom, we bow down our souls in humble adoration of those incomprehensible virtues and that unfathom- able abyss of knowledge of which the utmost stress of human capacity is unable to form an adequate conception. We bend the knee and prostrate our hearts at the footstool of your exalted and clothed with the mantle of the most profound hu- mility, under the friendly vest of which we take refuge from the confusing influences of those irra- diating emanations which, like the lightning of Omnipotence, would instantaneously reduce us to our original nihility." .... The rest is left to the imagination. To return to the extraordinary resolutions. They seem to be drawn out with considerably more temper than there was any necessity for, or was exactly suited to the dignity of the society. 1784.] MEDICAL SCHOOL. 295 The affair does not appear to have interrupted the friendly relations between my father and the other members, with most of whom he continued in cor- dial intimacy through life. It is not probable, however, that he continued to attend the meetings of the society, if any were held, but in fact after this effort, and after the anx- iety of the members was removed, the society ap- pears to have slumbered, until it awakened some years after in the Boston Medical Association. In fact, the fee table being fixed, and the Massachu- setts Medical Society formed, there was no partic- ular object for the meetings. The Boston Medical Association was not chartered until the year 1810. The opposition was, however, successful. A meet- ing was held between the Board of Overseers, and the President and medical professors of the Uni- versity ; but some doubts arising in the mind of the Board with respect to the propriety of admit- ting the students of the College to the apartments of the Almhouse, the further consideration of the subject was for the time suspended. This opportunity for clinical instruction was therefore lost, and the deficiency of this kind of instruction retarded the advance of the medical institution, and for several years it continued sta- tionary. The lectures were, however, delivered annually, with as much punctuality as circum- stances would admit ; and excepting for a few of the first years, those of the anatomical branch were pursued on recent subjects, notwithstanding the danger and labor involved in procuring them. 296 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. . [ AGE 31. " Great obstacles were encountered, and much prejudice contended with in the early period of the institution. The latter was not surprising, considering the novelty of dissection in this coun- try ; and the former were evils necessarily attend- ant on the remoteness of the situation in which the lectures were delivered." It must be recol- lected that there was no bridge between Boston and Cambridge, the mode of going from one to the other being the Ferry, which was impracticable in stormy weather, or the road over the Neck, through Roxbury and Brookline. CHAPTER XVII. 1784-1785. ADDRESS ON RESIGNATION OF HANCOCK. Difficulties between the Medical College and the Medical Society. Hancock's Resignation. Election of Governor. TN the winter of 1784, John Hancock, the first " governor of Massachusetts, who had held that office for four years, declared his intention of de- clining a reelection on account of his health, which had become very infirm. The annual election was then held on the first Monday in March, the gov- ernor being declared elected, and taking the oaths of office on the last Wednesday in May, which was always a holiday. All the citizens of Boston as- sembled and voted at Faneuil Hall, which, during high party excitement, became the scene of lively contention. Preparatory to this election, the following ad- dress was written by Dr. Warren, and published in one of the daily papers : i( To THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS: " The glorious anniversary upon the principles of our happy constitution is now arrived, when the power of exercising the great characteristic right 298 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 31. of freemen, that of electing a proper person for filling the important station of the first Magistery of the Commonwealth, is again to revert to the people from whence the authority of that office was derived. "However limited the wisdom of the people may have rendered that authority, I cannot but declare it as my serious opinion, that there is not a transaction more important in the whole system of our republican constitution, than that by which we delegate it. " Little need be said in support of this opinion to those who will consider the important influ- ence of national character upon the opinions and conduct of states and empires. The glory and greatness of the British nation was originally ac- quired by their bravery and clemency, and when once they became famed throughout the world, for those illustrious virtues, it is easy to conceive how much that character must have conduced to their subsequent successes and conquests, and thereby, to a still higher and more exalted pitch of glory. " The man elected by the free suffrages of an independent people to an office which (however circumscribed his power) is the greatest that can be placed by them in a single man; is- exalted above the rest, and his conduct becomes an object of their inquiry, as he is accountable to them for the use of that power they have invested him with ; but as that power is but small, and under such checks as may generally secure the public from any evil to 1784.] ADDRESS ON RESIGNATION OF HANCOCK. 299 be apprehended from his maladministration, the credit and the character of the State over which he is placed, consequently becomes a principal object of our reasonable caution. " In hereditary governments, the national char- acter may generally be best learned immediately from the people rather than the prince, because the artifices of courts usually disguise the prevailing passion, and the art of dissimulation effectually veils the true character of those who sustain the high stations. But in a republican elective government like ours, the case is far otherwise. The emolu- ments of office are not sufficiently large to induce men to lay themselves under any very great re- straints ; their predominant passions show them- selves, and strangers will be enabled from them to judge the sentiments of the people by whose voice they have been elected. " What opinion should we form of a people who had appointed to govern them, a man who was totally destitute of honor and honesty, obstinate, ignorant, and revengeful ? Should we not despise and detest that people who could thus prostrate their sacred liberties; and from inference of similar- ity in manners, entertain the most contemptible idea of their heads and their hearts ? If, on the other hand, a man of honor and integrity is invested with the supreme power of government, are we not naturally inspired with respect and veneration for the people who evinced their approbation of those virtues, by rewarding them with honor and distinction ? 300 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 31. " Every man who conscientiously considers these queries, will readily answer in the affirmative, and agree with me in the importance of a free election. " Let me solemnly caution you then, my fellow- countrymen, not to trifle with this momentous con- cern. Let me beg of you, as you regard the fame of your country, on which the eyes of a whole world are fixed, let me beseech you to choose a man for the government of this Commonwealth, whose character may do honor to yourselves. Choose a man of firm, inflexible integrity, a man whose abilities may be eminently useful at this important juncture of our public affairs, a man whose policy shall be that of governing upon the principles of honor and justice ; whom no views of personal attachment or private resentment shall influence in the appointment to places of power and trust. A man who, instead of vindictively persecuting others for their opinions, shall counte- nance and applaud an honest and manly opposi- tion to crimes, however fashionable or however dignified. Choose a man whose abilities may afford a reasonable presumption of a proper dis- cernment of the characters most fit for confidence and counsel. " I am far from- thinking that hospitality and liberality are crimes in a governor, or incompatible with the dignity of a free and wise people, but it is by no means necessary that profusion and prodi- gality shall be admitted merely for the sake of ac- quiring the esteem of strangers. Economy and industry have never brought a nation into con- 1784.] ADDRESS ON RESIGNATION OF HANCOCK. 301 tempt, but have ever made them to be served and admired. " Choose, therefore, a man for your governor, whose example shall inculcate the principles of fru- gality ; not parsimonious of hospitality, not profuse ; but above all things, choose a man of punctuality, a man who pays a sacred regard to his word ; a man who never promises for the sake of popular- ity, but with a full determination to perform, even though it be to his own loss. Let it never be said that a people who were just obtaining a name among the nations of the earth, were so totally lost to all feelings of honor and reputation, as to place in elevated stations men who basely conde- scend to the meanest and most contemptible vice of a dastardly wretch, that of meanly falsifying his word. "Punctuality in private business is ever con- sidered an essential qualification of a man of honor. How much more so, then, in the most important offices of civil goverment ! Never let it be said, that a State whose virtue had secured her the free exercise of the privileges of human nature, had suffered them to be trampled upon by the man who should protect them. " Finally, choose the man who shall be ever ready to attend to the business of his station; who shall be disposed to do justice indiscriminately to all, without unnecessary delay ; whose punctuality in private as well as public dealings, shall be such as to afford no reason for complaint to those who have just demands upon his attention, but who, 302 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 31. from the elevation of his office, may be deprived of the possibility of redress. "Weigh these things seriously in your minds, and let your choice fall upon a man resolved and steady to his trust, inflexible to ill, and obstinately JUST." Barry says of Mr. Hancock, " That he was a man of wealth, fond of display ; and withal somewhat vain as well as ambitious, are facts which few will dispute ;" nevertheless, he " merited richly the ap- proval of posterity by his manifold sacrifices and his generous devotion to the interests of his coun- try." Dr. Warren's reference to hospitality and liberal- ity, seems to point to Governor Hancock, whom, however, he had no wish to censure, and the por- trait of a candidate who should fulfill the requi- sitions of the time and place, though no name is mentioned, undoubtedly is meant for Mr. Bowdoin, whose character had been .long well tried, and who afterwards ably stood the test, by skilfully piloting the Commonwealth through the dangers of that very critical period. Mr. Bowdoin was elected. CHAPTER XVIII. 1785-1789. DOMESTIC LIFE. Domestic Life. House, Carriages, Furniture. Drying Specimens in the Windows. Warren Museum. Supposed Dangerous Well. Louis the Barber. Mountain his Successor. Slavery. Cuff and Quaco. Negro Melodies. TN the year 1785, my father removed into the house in School Street, where Niles' Block now is, forming the basis of that building which is now occupied by shops and offices. Upon the side of the building next Washington Street, was a long, capacious yard, with a large barn at its extrem- ity, and in rear of this barn was another inclosure, large enough for a decent sized garden. In the centre of this stood an immense mulberry tree, which in its season was filled with an abundance of large, purple fruit. In rear of the house was an- other yard laid out in grass-plots, and leading to a large garden ; the whole comprising such a liberal allowance of land, as is now seldom found within some miles of the city, except when employed for farming purposes. It was not all purchased at once, however, but in separate portions, from School Street nearly to Williams' Court, into which 304 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. there was a back entrance from the garden, giving ready access into " Cornhill," as that part of what is now Washington Street, was then called. My father here found scope for the exercise of his hereditary taste for gardening, and the cultiva- tion of fruit trees. It was shut in from the cold and winds by high brick buildings on the north and east. On the side where the City Hall now stands, it was exposed to the light and sun. In this garden, Dr. Warren was enabled to raise fine peaches, plums, sweet water grapes, abundance of cherries and almonds. The principal enemy was the canker-worm, against which, in their season, he had a hard fight. Making a clay basin around the trees to be kept filled with water, girdling the trees with tarred strips of canvas, were the prevent- ive means employed, and nothing more effectual than the latter has yet been found. At the end of the garden, farthest from the house, and protected at the back by a block of brick buildings, was a good sized greenhouse, which my father filled with choice plants. Lemon and orange trees, and other fine exotics, were in full perfection, when one very cold night, " Cuff," whose duty it was to keep up a fire in the stove, forgot or neglected to do it, and all the plants were destroyed. After this, the greenhouse was given up. My father in his increasing business could not attend to it, and my mother found sufficient occupation within doors for growths of a different description. In my earliest remembrance, the greenhouse was a wreck, the glass gone, and the benches or racks empty. 1785.J HOUSE AND GARDEN. 305 My father, however, never gave up the pleasure afforded him by watching t over the growth of the trees and the vines. In 'summer afternoons he was never without his priming-knife. The pur- chase of a farm at Jamaica Plain afforded him more ample scope for the indulgence of his favorite tastes, but the garden was never neglected, and it was a subject of very great annoyance to him, when the " New Court House," the present City Hall, was built directly up to his line, shutting in, and shading his garden entirely upon that side. This was one of the many similar troubles which came upon him in his latter years ; which, like the bites of musquitoes are the more vexatious, be- cause they are so minute. Our greater afflictions carry an elevation with them, which enables us to bear them with dignity ; the more minute are attended with a degree of self-contempt that we allow ourselves to be oppressed by them. The house itself was a large, square building, with an ell two stories high, covered with a flat roof, tarred and gravelled. At the end of this ell, were outbuildings and a wood-house extending to the barn, and covering land enough for a modern sized dwelling house. On the western side of the house, towards Tremont Street, inclosed from the street by a high gate, was the medicine room, answering to the English surgery; and back of this my father's study, separated by a narrow entry which led by an outer door into the garden, form- ing a building ten feet high, covered by a tarred and gravelled roof, lighted by skylights, which in 20 306 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREIJ. [AGE 32. winter generally leaked badly from the melting snow. -On each side of the front door was a large parlor, the one on the right of the entrance being used for sitting-room and dining-room, with a large pantry closet at the back. The other parlor was only opened on rare occasions. It was separated by folding-doors from a hall built out in the gar- den, and covered like the other extensions by a gravelled roof. Between the two was a wide entry, and a back and front staircase. In the sec- ond story were four large chambers, the two front ones each furnished with two closets, and with ample window-seats and fire-places. One in the rear, on the left, opening out upon the roof of the hall ; that on the right opening into the chamber over the kitchen, was called the "nursery," but uninhabitable in winter on account of the cold, and little used at other times. The hall had been built out into the garden, after my father's means had increased, to serve for large dinner parties, and for dancing. In the third and upper story were five large chambers, the middle one in front, a large sunny room, called the " study," and probably used for that purpose before the. lower study and medicine room were built out, was used for a fruit and wine room. There were shelves on each side. One side was filled with bottles of Madeira, purchased proba- bly by John C. Warren, in the cask, when he was in England in 1800, and bottled under his father's supervision. The shelves, on the other side, were occupied with the choice fruit of the season. This 1785.J HOUSE AND GARDEN. 307 room of course was kept locked, and as I only ob- tained a view of the inside on rare occasions, it was associated in my childish mind with the idea of Heaven, a place I thought of the most bril- liant sunshine, with the ground covered with piles of the choicest fruit; oranges, peaches, and apri- cots in profusion. It might have been considered a blemish that the back chambers had a full view of the jail, which backed upon the old Court House, then facing upon Court Street, and coming up to the street line. It was a rude, whitewashed brick building, with a gallery on the outside along each row of grated windows, where the friends of the prisoners stood and held converse with them through the bars. I recollect it as an interest- ing, rather than a disagreeable sight. Imprison- ment for debt was common then, so that the prison- ers were by no means all criminals, but were ob- jects of compassion. We felt an interest in these interviews which we witnessed at a distance. In the ell was a large kitchen with its ample fire-place, where it said that some of the mem- bers of the family in early time, sat late at night after the parlor fire was extinguished, and a lover thought it too early to finish his visit without some private converse. This ample kitchen, abundantly furnished with shelves, sinks, cupboards and dress- ers, had its counterpart in a cellar kitchen be- neath, of equal size, where the family washing was done. A large copper boiler was set here by itself. The shelves were originally furnished with 308 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. large pewter platters, used in my grandmother's time, but which gradually disappeared, being melt- ed up into bullets I fear not for the public service, but to gratify the taste of my brothers for the use of fire-arms. For the ample fire-places and enormous square chimneys, a large supply of wood was necessary, hence the use of a very large wood-house. Liver- pool coal was imported for grates, but too dear for common use. Over the kitchen, was a long chamber called, as I have said, the nursery. It was furnished with an ample row of windows on each side, looking into the yard and the garden. Furnaces were not thought of in those times, and my father entered very earnestly into all improvements for new fire- places. In the chamber I speak of, he had a large Russian stove (as it was called) built at consid- erable expense. This, like all preceding contri- vances, failed to warm the room, and it was neces- sary to abandon it. At the further end, this room opened upon the kitchen staircase, which led up to the servants' chambers, these being entirely dis- connected from the other part of the house. At an early period, when there was no Medical College or lecture room, the back windows of the house were occupied with drying preparations of legs and arms, and other anatomical and morbid specimens, prepared by Dr. Warren, and forming the basis of the Warren Museum, afterwards in the Medical College. The ample barn and stable, which afterwards 1785.] FURNITURE. 309 became Niles' Livery Stable, contained in 1810- 1815, one large yellow coach, emblazoned with the family arms, and large as the Lord Mayor's ; a coachee (so called), the size of a modern coach ; a phaeton, pretty old ; a chaise, a sulky, and a booby- hut. In those days, no one thought of having a sepa- rate dining-room, either in a basement, or on the same floor. Houses were built when land was 4j plenty, and without regard to economy of land, but people preferred to take their meals in the room in which they sat through the day. The parlor on the right of the door was furnished with large mahogany tables and chairs of painted wood with red morocco seats. I do not recollect any easy- chair or rocking-chair in the parlor. These chairs were small, with straight backs. Subsequently, these gave place to large mahogany chairs with leather seats, studded with brass nails. Two of these had simple arms. The mahogany was inlaid with ebony stripes, with an ivory star upon the backs. These chairs are still in existence and good preservation ; as well as half a dozen of the red seated chairs, which were removed to the entry, to give place to the new ones. The latter were chef d'oeuvres of Mr. George Archibald, for many years the fashionable cabinet-maker ; and were either a present to my father for gratuitous medical services, or given in payment of debt. A dull looking canvas carpet covered the floor; over which in winter a thick turkey carpet was placed. The remains of this carpet covered the 310 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. floor of an upper chamber in No. 1 Park Street, into which the family moved in 1828. A book- case with a drawer across the middle, the front of which let down and formed a desk with pigeon holes for letters and receipts, and small drawers for money and other valuables ; with cupboards below ; stood on one side of the room. An English piano, of the small size then used, stood at the other end. This parlor was lighted by two windows on the street ; and two others, one on each side of the fire-place, looking out into the yard. On the wall opposite the fire-place and win- dows, hung two engravings. One, designated " Af- rican Slave Trade," represented negroes chained and forced from their families into slave-ships ; the other "African Hospitality," represented a group of Africans rescuing white men who had been ship- wrecked on their coast. This large parlor, despite of green baize doors and baize-covered strips, was very cold in winter ; and many experiments in stoves and fire-places were made for warming it. At last, the discovery was made, that the mouth of a fire-place might be contracted to almost one or two inches without diminishing the draft and with great saving of heat. A soap-stone fire-place was put in, with a grate for burning Liverpool coal ; and a pipe an inch wide to bring cold air from the outside of the house to supply the draught, an improvement adopted in modern fire-places, and upon which little advance has been made since. At one end of the room, over the piano or at other times the 1785.] HOUSE AND FURNITURE. 311 sideboard., hung a large colored engraving of Apollo, and the Muses on Mt. Parnassus.. This " side- board," which literally answered to its name, was a long table with square corners, which was made to fit in between the pair of dining-tables so as to form an extension. Opposite the engraving at the front side of the room, hung a large looking-glass in a very plain frame ; but of thick English plate. The other parlor, which was rarely used, since there was no means of warming it except a large open fire-place which always smoked woundily when a fire was lighted, opened by large folding doors into the hall. This, as well as the hall, was car- peted with a rich, substantial Brussells carpet. The chairs, like the others, were of painted wood, but quite handsome, with narrow arms, and with mov- able cushions covered with yellow kid. Two settees of the same make and material occupied each side of the fire-place. Two small round mirrors with candle-sticks graced the wall on one side. There were four windows ; but against one of them the medical offices had been built up. The glass of these windows was coated with quicksilver at the back ; so as to form a looking-glass. Two of the windows in the hall had been closed or transformed in the same manner, in consequence of the out- buildings. Two colored engravings hung upon the wall of this parlor. One of " Joseph Interpret- ing ; " the other of " Pharaoh's Cup Found." Over this parlor was the best chamber, called, I know not why, the "front chamber," opened only for guests of honor. The view in front of this room 312 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. was shut off by the dull brick houses opposite, but in front of the other chamber over the common parlor was a large open space, half of which was owned by my father, and which was used as a pas- ture. It contained the ruined foundations of a house and barn. This piece of land was sold about 1815, for nine shillings a foot. In this chamber, on awaking at sunrise in the morning, the eye rested upon the brilliant reflec- tion of the sun on the gilded Indian on the Prov- ince House. Along the fence on the vacant land 'opposite, was a row of truncated Lombardy Pop- lars ; for my father, with a number of other gen- tlemen, had imported a large quantity of these trees, which are so ornamental in their native land, along the side of roads. There were circles and rows of these trees about the farm at Jamaica Plain; one row in the yard in Boston, and the row I have just spoken of. ' As the severity of the winter to say nothing of the worm, destroyed the tops of these trees, after they had attained to some size, it was necessary to behead them, and rny father used constant efforts to obtain a young growth around this flat decayed top. It was necessary to watch them closely, for the young straight shoots, with a skin that easily slipped off, made beautiful whistles as well as nice switches. Hence there was a constant light with the school- boys who clambered upon the fence to break off these shoots, similar to that which Miss Trotwood had with the donkey boys ; nor was it always very easy for Dr. Warren to restrain his own sons at a 1785.J STUDY. MEDICINE-ROOM. 313 certain age from helping themselves occasionally. I enjoyed seeing and hearing these whistles after they were made ; but I was too young to reach the shoots, or even to use the whistles myself. The large yard on the Washington Street, or eastern side, was shut in from the road by a high fence with large gates, opening each way, with a narrow one on the side for foot entrance, the whole surmounted, as were all the other fences, by a row of sharp pointed nails. I recollect that on a certain occasion when I had thrown my ball over the gate into the road, one of my brothers, who always acted upon impulse, undertook, I know not why, to get over the gate, instead of going through it, and lacerated himself fearfully, so that there was a large rent in the integuments, which required sew- ing up by my father ; for in those days the needle was much more used in surgery, plasters were not depended upon. On the side towards Tremont Street, or western side, was a similar double and single gate, opening into a yard just large enough for a cart with coal or with a cask of wine, or cider, to back up to the cellar door on that side. Fronting on this small yard was the "medicine room," an apothecary's shop in miniature, where the medical students sat and studied, or put up medicines. In the rear of this, passing over a narrow entry was the Doctor's study, where he received the patients who were ushered in through the medicine room. As the patients were admitted by the students, they had the advantage of freing able to attend to slight 314 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. cases or prescribe in my father's absence, dress slight wounds, assist in operations when required, etc. A great deal has been said of the want of hospital instruction at this time ; but, in fact, the advantages of seeing private practice and being in close contact and intimacy with a kind and earnest instructor, more than counterbalanced the deficiency. That Dr. John C. Warren found this deficiency a very serious one, was very natural ; for it must be recollected that he did not take to the study either from strong early inclination or from necessitude. He never endured the confinement and drudgery of the medicine room, and the time passed at home, was, as he states, nearly wasted. The medical pu- pils, on the other hand, were apprentices, in all but the name ; they were required to do all sort of drudgery connected with the profession, spread plasters, make pills, put up recipes, clean and wir6. skeletons, etc. One was required to sleep in the house to attend night patients, etc. The success of many of my father's pupils, is the best evidence that their studies were not defective. Both of these rooms were warmed by sheet-iron or Pollock stoves ; which, in spite of all inventions to prevent or cure, were exceedingly apt to smoke, as the building was only ten feet high and shut in by a high brick house on each side. The melting of the snow in winter, caused much leaking through the skylights. But in these days people did not care so much for comfort and luxury, as in later times. The surgeon who had served through all 1785.] SERVANTS. 315 the hardships and privations of the Revolutionary War, thought" very little of such minor inconven- iences. When in his office, he was too much occu- pied with keeping his books or preparing his lec- tures, to find fault with what was, by comparison, real comfort. But in 1785 these rooms did not exist, neither did the hall. Without these additions, the house was large enough for a hotel. In so much space there was of course a great deal of waste room. Several of the chambers were generally unoccu- pied. And with the exception of the spare cham- ber, changes were frequently made, arid the differ- ent ones occupied by turns. The family consisted of my father, my mother, five children one born in October, 1785 and the two daughters and three sons of General Joseph Warren. Land was cheap at this time, and wages low. To have kept so large a house in order must have required a number of domestics. A cook and chambermaid were fixtures. The same ones re- mained for a number of years. There was a regu- lar gradation, however, in work. The little girl in time became a chambermaid, and the chamber- maid became cook ; just as the mechanic's appren- tice became journeyman, and the journeyman eventually became master. There were no Irish servants in those days. All were either Yankees or blacks. My father's establishment, at this time, consisted of cook, chambermaid, and the black man Cuff. Subsequently, a little girl was taken to bring up. The servants, dressed in coarse clothes, 316 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. made no attempt to vie with their mistresses ; and saved up their money for support in sickness or old age. The two classes were as distinct here as in England. They never heard of "help " in those days. A small sum was paid by the State for the board of Joseph Warren's children, which must have as- sisted in the support of the house. Water was not brought into the house by pipes, nor was there any other than straight log pumps used. The pump and well for drinking water stood on the opposite side of the yard ; from which all the well water was brought. On the other side of the house stood the cistern, which was filled from spouts coming from the top of the house. It was thought no hardship to go out, ip all weathers, to the pumps, for all the water used. A pump had, in former days, stood close to the side door of the house, but it had been removed, and a raised pas- sage way built here from this door to the street gate, why, I know not, unless it was for safety from any vehicle that came in ; or, from the horses sometimes let loose in the yard for exercise. My father, a few years before he died, conceived the idea that a well had been covered over here, and that, as it had been left so many years, there was imminent danger of its caving in at any mo- ment. Hence he thought every one who passed over it did so at the risk of their lives. A party of workmen were employed, who cautiously dug down in the situation of the supposed well, but found nothing but solid earth, and came to the con- 1785.] LOUIS THE BARBER. 317 elusion that the water had been brought to the old pump from the inclosure opposite, by logs laid un- der the pavement across the street. After the family had increased, and my father's means became more ample, a black boy was kept as footman. Mrs. Nickerson, a black woman, came to assist at the family wash, and black Rose came on Thanksgiving days to make the pies, and pre- side in the kitchen. Black Abram, also a distin- guished character, always came to saw the wood. My father, accustomed as he was to the use of sharp instruments, could never shave himself. In early times he had a black girl who was accus- tomed to shave him. , Afterwards he had a barber, who came every day to shave him, and dress his hair. He wore hair powder and a queue, as was the fashion of the time. One of these barbers, Louis, was a native of Martinique. When a boy, he and his father got on board an English ship, and escaped to this country. He then went into the shop of a hairdresser, named Gendron, in Royal Exchange Alley. Gendron had a large business. It was just after the regicide of Louis XVI. The town was filled with French refugees. There were no American hairdressers. A French one was in great demand, and Gendron was the only one in town. He kept five men, himself making six. He grew rich, and finally left his shop and business to Louis. One of these men, a white man by the name of Mountain, succeeded Louis, kept at Concert Hall, and afterwards, I believe, took charge of the building. 318 LIFE OP DE. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 33. Louis made money by his diligence and skill, for a great deal of skill was required for the different styles of hairdressing. He also attended at the houses of the most fashionable ladies, to dress their hair for parties. Like his predecessor and master, he acquired money, which he invested in a house and shop, in the meantime loaning money to cus- tomers. Eeal estate was, in fact, the only safe in- vestment for money. He gave his children a good education, paying for their attendance at a private school, for colored children were not allowed to attend the public schools. His wife was a mulatto woman, born and brought up in Weston, with her master's children, receiving the same education and privileges with them. She is now living, has full possession of her faculties, at the age of ninety-two, and can repeat many stories and events of the wealthy families of Boston. She is, as she says, very aristocratic. She has always lived in the best families. Louis was persuaded to go to St. Domingo ; there he took the fever and died. The little prop- erty he had was lost by some fraudulent means, and he left nothing for his family. Mr. Mountain succeeded him in the shop, and came daily to shave and dress my father's hair and queue. My father wore boots coming up to the knees, to meet the breeches which were then worn. In winter, goloshes were worn over the boots to pro- tect the feet from snow and wet. They were made like the latest fashion of rubber shoes, but having a strap to buckle them over the instep. 1786.] CHARLES LENNOX. 319 In the deep snows of that time, woolen mocca- sins were worn to keep the feet warm and protect- ed from the snow. It was not the custom then, to keep the frontdoors locked. The intimates of the house came in with- out knocking. Many young men formed a sort of rendezvous at our house. Dr. Jacob Bigelow, Mr. George Ticknor, Nathan Hale, Dr. Gamage, Fred- erick Ingraham, the brother of the well known instructor, a young man of great fun and gaiety, Mr. Carnes, whom they designated " Counsellor Carnes," and one or two naval officers, were con- stantly at the house. Excited by each other, they were full of fun and practical jokes. Slavery had existed in Massachusetts up to the period of the adoption of the State Constitution; when the declaration that " all men are born free and equal" was inserted by Judge Lowell in the Bill of Eights, it is said with express reference to the subject of slavery. It was finally terminated by the decision of the Supreme Court in 1783, when a man was convicted of an assault, and fined for beating a person whom he claimed as a slave. In Connecticut and Rhode Island, it was abolished in 1784. By the terms of my grandfather's will the two blacks, Cuff and Quaco, were left to my mother. My father's sentiments in regard to Slavery, and especially against the Slave Trade, which was then the principal object of attention, were very strong; and he undoubtedly employed his stren- uous efforts for their abolition. I have mentioned the two engravings which hung in his parlor. The 320 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. one exhibiting shipwrecked passengers rescued and kindly administered to by blacks ; the other ex- hibiting husbands, wives, and children torn from each other's arms, while well dressed whites fought for their possession. " Your father was always the friend of black men," said Charles Lenox to me, in 1822. Those whose college recollections go back to about that time or ten years later, will recollect this import- ant character, " Dr. Charles," as he was sometimes called. He was for many years a faithful attend- ant of f the students who employed him; and by dint of blacking boots, making fires, bringing water, etc., as well as by saving cigar ends, empty bottles, old boots, etc, he succeeded in accumulating a snug little property ; and at the period I speak of, he was able to loan money to those professors whose narrow salaries compelled them to borrow. Charles Lenox had been in the habit of visiting Cuff and Quaco. The fate of the latter has been described in the " Biography of John C. Warren." Having gone with a valuable pair of coach horses to the Old Mill Pond, where Haymarket Square now is, the horses became unmanageable in the water and he was thrown from the one he was riding under their feet. My father was in the neighborhood and had the horror of witnessing a scene in which he could give no assistance. It was in vain that he called to the bystanders, offering a large sum of money for the man's rescue ; the horses were plunging furiously, and no one would venture. When at length he was taken from the 1785.] CUFF'S MARRIAGE. 321 water, he was brought home, and every effort was ma-de to restore him. He ha'd received a kick on the head which prevented any possibility of his surviving. Brought up upon the seacoast, he was a good swimmer, and would easily have escaped if he had not been hurt. He was buried in the fam- ily tomb at the bottom of the Common. It is said that the servants of Governor Collins were strongly attached to their young mistress, and deeply regretted her departure from Castle Hill, when she became the wife of Dr. Warren. Cuff, who I believe was the brother of Quaco, was for many years an important part of my father's establishment. He lived in the family until the last year of my father's life, when, having become very intemperate, it became necessary, though with great reluctance, to discharge him. My father's health had become such that he could not look after him ; and it was necessary to have some one upon whom he could at all times depend. At one period, Cuff submitted to the common lot of man ; he fell in love. A nice room was hired for him, neatly furnished, and he was married. The day after the wedding his bride eloped, taking with her all the furniture of the room, and leaving only bare walls. Cuff returned crestfallen to his former patron, and never ventured to try matri- mony again. Whether any pursuit was made after the wife, I do not know. It was probably thought best for her husband to leave matters as they were. In those days, divorce from the mar- riage bond could not be had except for one cause. 21 322 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. At the period I speak of, negro melodies with their accompaniments had not become fashionable. Cuff occasionally performed in one, especially when he was a little elevated, that was doubtless genu- ine. I hope it will be admired. Taking from the cupboard a couple of bones, left from the day's dinner, he would strike them together, keeping time with a rude hop, and singing : " Massa bimetee, Massa bibone Massa bilandee, Massa bistone." I think this might puzzle a good linguist, but it was explained by him to the uninitiated to mean, that When Massa buys meat, lie buys bone, "When Massa buys land, he buys stone. A sly satire upon their masters, with a little exul- tation over their being so imposed upon. Cuff was a genuine black, without any admix- ture of white blood. He was of mild disposition, not remarkably intelligent, attached, good natured, and inclined to indolence. He had one or two other places after his dismissal, from which he al- ways came to make a visit to the family. When he became too old to work, he was finally pro- vided for in his native place, Newport. A very important character, I think no rela- tion of Cuff, was Hannibal, who came annually from Newport, to bring dispatches to my mother, and visit his friends in Boston. Like Cuff, he had been one of Governor Collins' slaves ; was now the servant of my mother's sister, Mrs. Gardiner, and the occasional ambassador between them. 1785.] SLAVERY. 323 Slavery, while it existed in Rhode Island, was in a very mild form ; the slaves of Governor Collins were happy and attached. Dr. John C. Warren, who as the eldest and favorite grandson and in- tended heir of Governor Collins, was often at New- port in his youth, testifies that the children of Africans born in this country, and brought up with the whites, were as intelligent, as gay, and ready to learn, as the white children. There was, of course, a difference of tribes : and my mother fre- quently commented upon the accuracy of Miss Edgeworth, in one of her " Popular Tales," in which she exemplifies the different characteristics of the different tribes. The children of those of the milder tribes were more docile and intelligent than those of the fiercer races. The successor of Cuff' was a black of great intel- ligence and capacity. He had lived in different stations in all parts of the world, and could speak several languages. He had been in the service of Murat; and in 1815, when the Prince had been promised restoration to the crown of Naples, Louis was sent for to return. He accordingly left our family, and embarked for Europe. Before his ar- rival, however, Murat had again changed sides, been taken prisoner, tried by court martial, and shot. I never heard of Louis after this, but I have an impression that he returned to Boston, and took some situation such as he had with us. My mother, when worried by bad servants, could not avoid at times looking back with regret upon the comforts of the " peculiar institution." The 324 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 32. black servants, contented, attached, and happy, formed part of the family, took the name of their master, and being well trained, performed their duties with ability and accuracy. She was not, however, disposed to uphold the institution, or to look with favor upon those who made their for- tunes in the slave trade. Dr. Warren looked upon the declaration in the Bill of Rights, that " All men are born free and equal," as meaning what the words implied, and applying as strongly to the blacks as to the whites. Consider- ing the former as an injured race, his sympathies were particularly interested in their behalf, and upon all proper occasions he exerted his influence in their favor, employed them in his service, and gave them his attendance freely in sickness, for such return as they were able to make. The disturbances which had taken place in Massa- chusetts had excited serious alarm all over the country, the danger being probably magnified by distance. This served to hasten the formation of a federal union, for the Articles of Confederation were found insufficient to give to each State the necessary protection against internal insurrection or foreign invasion. CHAPTER XIX. 1787-1789. CONVENTION FOR RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION. Convention for Katifying the United States Constitution. Com- munication to the Press. Mr. Hancock's Billet. Samuel Ad- ams, Governor. Washington's Visit to Boston. A FTER the adoption of the Constitution by the "^ Federal Convention, a State Convention was held in Boston, for the purpose of assenting to, and ratifying this instrument, January 9th, 1788. Governor Hancock was chosen President. The slave trade, slavery, and the law for the return of persons held to labor, were again the subjects of long and earnest debate. On account of these clauses, the opposition was very strong. But the more moderate opposers of slavery thought that by fixing a period for the termination of the slave trade, they obtained more than could be gained by a continued opposition which might again involve the State in anarchy and civil war. So recently having escaped from an insurrection, and from the state of things so forcibly described in the quota- tion given above, with an exhausted treasury,, and a large body of dissatisfied, or barely reconciled people, they stood, in fact, upon the brink of a volcano. 326 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 35. In the adoption of the Constitution, a period was fixed for the termination of the slave trade, and it was reasonably supposed slavery would die out when its source of supply was cut off. It could not then be foreseen that a portion of the South would ever become a hot-bed and nursery for the supply of all the slave States. A brand was placed upon the institution, and it was naturally supposed that the declaration of human equality, together with the natural progress of civilization, would operate, as it did in Massachusetts, and virtually annul the right to hold slaves. A new generation educated in this grand article of political faith, " that all men w r ere born free and equal," it was not to be supposed would be sophist- ical enough to except black men, for to the eye of plain reason it might as well be said that it was only rich men, who were born free and equal. To avoid this difficulty, indeed, desperate attempts have been made to show by anatomy, that the negro is of an inferior genus, between the man and the monkey, thus favoring the celebrated theory of Lord Monboddo, now revived by Darwin, that all men were descended from monkeys. But these attempts to prove a distinction of race have signally failed. I have said thus much, because an earnest and able 1 historian has censured Massachusetts states- men for yielding this point. My father exerted all his abilities and influence to obtain the ratifica- tion of the Constitution, and cooperated earnestly 1 Hildreth. 1788.] MR. HANCOCK'S BILLET. 327 with Mr. Hancock, whose efforts are said mainly to have reconciled the opposition in Massachusetts. With a strong body of men, even in New England, making money by the slave trade, this was all that could be done in behalf of freedom. The first question was the existence or destruction of the nation. The following note from Governor Hancock, though rather obscure (perhaps intentionally so), may be read with interest : " Mr. Hancock presents his compliments to Dr. Warren, must ask his pardon that he could not wait on him last evening, and is now so engaged, and his duty to his constituents obliges him to be faithful. He knows he can use freedom with the Doctor, and from that consideration he asks the favor of the Doctor, to send by the bearer that which he supposes he should have been indulged with, had he visited the Doctor last evening, and on which (as the production of the Doctor) Mr. Hancock's reputation depends. Mr. H. will, with the Doctor's leave, shortly call on him, and must many times in the course of a month. Actions must determine Mr. Hancock's obligations to the Doctor, for the full he can't express in words. Adieu, we are upon the judges, and shall do the needful. It is the Whigs' turn now." This note shows that Mr. Hancock was in the habit of consulting with Dr. Warren upon political matters, and the expression that his reputation 328 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 85. depended upon the Doctor's production, seems to show that he employed my father's pen, as he is known to have done that of others. 1 It is said that Dr. Cooper was the author of Hancock's " Ora- tion on the Massacre." Dr. Thacher wrote his messages, and Hon. Judge Parsons wrote the re- solves of the State Convention, on the adoption of the Federal Constitution, which he had the credit of preparing. 1 Substitutions of this kind were much more com- mon seventy years ago. As in England, the king's speech was written by his ministers, and a minis- terial pamphlet often by a hired orator in a garret, so it was judged allowable here, to substitute, when necessary, the pen of a readier or less occupied writer. Nor was it less common in small matters. Parents not only wrote their children's school exercises, but even their daughters' love letters. I have it on the authority of Eev. Dr. Jenks, that Rev. Dr. Freeman wrote his address on leaving the Latin School, while that of his class- mate, John C. Warren, was written by his father. I have now in my possession the latter address, in my father's handwriting. The " Memoir of Gen- eral Joseph Warren," furnished by Dr. John C. War- ren for the American edition of Ree's Cyclopedia, was written by his brother, Henry Warren. It would be considered very singular in these days for an orator to employ a substitute to write his oration, but many persons who have clear ideas in speaking, become obscure in writing. If we 1 Loring'g One Hundred Boston Orators. 1788.] MR. HANCOCK GOVERNOR. 329 take the above note as a specimen, this may have been the case with Hancock. It is remarkable that he should have selected the men above men- tioned, as they were all inclined to the views of Governor Bowdoin, and to that party styled by Mr. Hancock, as the "Essex Junto." Hancock was accused of courting popularity, and he was an asserter of State rights, as seen in his famous re- ception of Washington, when he insisted that the President should call first upon him, as supreme in his own State. So popular was Governor Hancock among the Democrats, that it is reported the inhabi- tants of " Oldtown " continued to vote for him many years after his death. Whatever may have been the production above alluded to, the fact is certain that Dr. Warren aided essentially in overcoming the objections of those in Massachusetts who opposed the adoption of the Constitution. Besides his exertions as a writer, his influence was doubtless more generally felt from his conversational powers. Rapid as were his professional visits, he found time, on all proper occasions, to enter upon political subjects, and enforce those views on which he believed the very existence of the country depended. The Constitution of the United States ratified and established, one of the next public measures in which my father took part was the annual elec- tion of the chief magistrates. Mr. Hancock, who had declined reelection in 1784, on account of ill health, returned to office in 1787, and was not likely to meet with any opposition. He was re- 330 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 36. elected annually until 1793, when he was finally obliged to retire. With regard to Lieutenant-governor, there was more division. Mr. Elbridge Gerry, in a letter to Samuel Adams in 1778, complains that "the vigilant enemies of free government have deprived Mr. Adams and himself of that public confidence to which a faithful attachment to the public interest entitle them." Mr. Gerry refers here to that party who feared the ultra tendencies of Mr. Gerry, Mr. Adams, and those of similar views, towards democracy. It was natural, also, that after the most important matters were settled, the Constitution adopted, the insurrection terminated, that the interest of the best men in public affairs should subside, and those best qualified to influence public opinion and to guide the State should be willing to rest from their exertions, and give space for the efforts of those impelled to seek office or influence, by con- siderations of self-interest alone. This state of things called forth the following communication from my father, who always watched every public measure and every election with the greatest vigil- ance. " It is a circumstance exceedingly to be regretted in all governments of human constitution, especially in those of a popular nature, that though true principles upon which the success of the adminis- tration of government depends, are sufficiently at- tended to in the first period of their institution ; 1789.] ON THE ELECTION OF LIEUT.-GOVERNOR. 331 yet that as soon as public affairs have, as it were, settled down into their proper and established channels, the body of the people become indiffer- ent to their most important public concerns, and suffer a corruption of the original principles of government to steal in upon them, without oppo- sition or notice. " Happily, however, according to the Constitu- tion of this Commonwealth, the periodical election of officers to the executive and legislative depart- ments, serves as a kind of annual memento of that purity of principle in which it was founded. " To give the utmost possible degree of efficacy to a cause so highly important in a republican State, it can never be amiss at the approach of an election it is most indisputably every man's duty to establish in his own mind a set of prop- ositions drawn from the nature of the government, for his guidance and direction in the choice of offi- cers or rulers. " The most natural and simple propositions that occur to the mind of a republican in an election upon a new constitution ; appear to me to be based upon the capacity and the integrity of the candi- date, and may be reduced to the two following : " First. That supposing a number of men to be otherwise, in every respect, perfectly equally qualified ; that man should be intrusted with the duties of the station who is most capable of dis- charging them to the advantage of the public. " Second. That supposing them to be equally qualified ; that man should be preferred whose in- 332 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 36. tegrity, having been put to the severest trial, is unquestionably demonstrated. " These are plain, obvious truths, and any decis- ion we may form for a choice, which will not bear these tests, is not, in my opinion, such an one as we can justify to ourselves, our own consciences, or our country. " In the choice of first magistrate, it appears probable that the people will be pretty generally united ; but as they are much divided in their sen- timents respecting the choice of Lieutenant-gover- nor, it becomes necessary to apply the above named propositions to the present case, and with the utmost candor, and without any personal reflec- tions, to form our conclusions accordingly. " The late Revolution was evidently produced and effected by two different causes. It was pro- duced by the wisdom of the American counsels ; and the eyes of the people were open to the na- ture of that tyranny which was preparing to be exercised over them, by the writings and by the eloquence of the first patriots of that period. It was effected by the conduct of as brave an army as was ever marshalled in the field of war. Of the honors of the former, it appears to me that no one of the present candidates is entitled to a larger share than Mr. A. As a man of superior under- standing, his acquaintance has ever been sought by the first characters in the Commonwealth. " The second proposition obliges us to recur to the past conduct of the candidates, as there is no other way of judging of the quality of the human heart, but by the fruit it produces. 1789.] MB. ADAMS. 333 " As to the integrity of Mr. A. ; his uniform re- fusal of the alluring offers of the British govern- ment, on condition of his betraying the cause of his country, may be considered as a proof of it. If the smallness of his fortune, or if the character of an honest man, which he has uniformly sustained in private life, are arguments of any weight in the case, Mr. A.'s character for probity is sufficiently established against the attacks of malevolence or 'prejudice ; and notwithstanding the intimations contained in the queries of Mr. Griffith's paper of last Thursday, it is well known that so fully were the people satisfied of his probity at a period when the transaction on which the implied aspersion was founded was. recent, that the querist himself would then scarcely have dared to hazard the im- putation. " Mr. A. is doubtless a strict republican. Every man acquainted with him knows that the intima- tions of the same author respecting a supposed at- tempt against the late commander-in-chief, has been unjustly grounded on nothing more than the avowed jealousy of inveterate power, which, as a republican, it was his duty to entertain; and would to God every member of the community might ever consider it his duty to entertain similar jeal- ousy. A good man will never become worse for such jealousies, and the most perfect man may even be confirmed in the practice of virtue by their means. These are the essence of a republican government." It will be seen by this letter or communication, 334 I^IFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 36. that although party lines were not yet distinctly drawn, there was a good deal of suspicion pre- vailing among those whose different tendencies led them to fear most from popular violence, an- archy, or the abuse of political influence by dema- gogues; and those who dreaded most, on the other hand, the slightest indication of a tendency to aristocratic or monarchical principles : between those who held the necessity of a firm central power, and those who preferred a looser connec- tion of sovereign and independent states. Doubt- less, while the more prominent of these men acted upon pure and patriotic principles, there were others, as there always have been, and always will be, of inferior ability and less disinterested motives, who hoped for greater influence the more the au- thority was diluted. Mr. Adams was elected Lieutenant-governor, and continued to hold the office until the death of Governor Hancock in 1794, when he succeeded him as chief magistrate. He held the latter office for the two following years ; after which he de- clined reelection, in consequence of the infirmities of age, being then seventy-five years old. What- ever may have been his political tendencies, Mr. Adams had sacrificed too much and made himself too prominent, in the -early part of the Revolution, for his sincerity and patriotism to be doubted. The old .cry of "Hancock and Adams" is well known ; as is the fact of their being selected by the English government for proscription, as the two most prominent rebels. My father seems, at i789.| WASHINGTON'S VISIT. 335 this time, to have acted in support of those whose tendencies were to the democratic side. He was doubtless inclined to promote harmony between the parties ; and very possibly his feelings against the English government were still too acute, and his fears of democracy less than they subsequently became. The year 1789, was made memorable in Boston by the visit of Washington, who came to view again the early scene of his military labors as com- mander of the Continental forces. This event was ever alluded to by Dr. Warren with the greatest enthusiasm. It was an era in the life of every Bostonian of that period. CHAPTER XX. 1789-1793. FRENCH REVOLUTION. METALLIC TRACTORS. Destruction of the Bastile. Massacre of September. Republican Extremes. Proclamation of Neutrality. Opposition to Wash- ington. Recall of Genet, the French Minister. Metallic Trac- tors. Is Honesty the best Policy V Cures by the Tractors. Death of Dr. Perkins. Small-pox. the fourteenth of July, 1789, an event oc- curred, the shock of which was felt over the whole civilized world ; an event the influence of which has never ceased, and probably never will cease, to be felt throughout Europe and America. This was the commencement of the French Revo- lution, which began with the taking of the Bastile. The leaven which had been diffused among the French officers and soldiers in America, had taken its effect ; and, added to other well known causes, accumulated since the time of Louis XIV., had re- sulted in violent action. The destruction of this stronghold of cruelty and oppression, was hailed in Boston, as in other parts of America, and even in England, with the great- est rapture. Men overlooked or pardoned the pop- ular violence and brutality with which the act was attended, for the governor and officers were 1789.] DESTRUCTION OF THE BASTILE. 337 cruelly beheaded by the populace at the Place de Greve in consideration of the enormities of which this building was the theatre and the memo- rial. The overthrow of the Bastile was regarded as a signal of the triumph of liberty over the whole world ; and as giving new firmness, in especial to the institutions of our own country. My father - keenly alive to every act that transpired in Europe, not only as it affected his own country, but in the general interests of humanity shared the general exultation, while he regretted that the first assault upon tyranny was stained with crime. Ar- dent patriot as Dr. Warren was, his sensibility was never confined to his own country. He felt an al- most equal interest in every good deed, or every triumph of right principle in every part of the world. There had been, as yet, no attack upon the king. Louis XVI, as the head of the nation who had be- friended us, was looked upon here with feelings of kindness and gratitude. It was supposed that abuses might be amended, more liberal institutions established, and tyrannical excesses controlled, without doing violence to the throne. On the seventeenth of June, the National As- sembly was constituted. The title of " King of France " was changed to " King of the French." The next year, July fourteenth, France was de- clared a limited monarchy. In June, 1791, the king and royal family were arrested ; and Septem- ber fifteenth, the National Convention was sanc- tioned by the king. 22 338 LIFE OF DK. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 40. The horrible massacre of September, 17 92, must have disgusted and disappointed many friends ; still more those who had for some time watched the popular proceedings with apprehension ; but the declaration of freedom, fraternity, and alliance, with all nations who wished to be free, was received with great enthusiasm. On the twenty-fourth of January, 1793, there was a great celebration in Boston. An ox, roasted whole, drawn in a car by sixteen horses, with the French and American colors flying, was paraded through the streets, fol- lowed by four carts drawn by twenty-four horses ; containing sixteen hundred loaves of bread, and two hogsheads of punch. The Lieutenant-gov- ernor, Samuel Adams, presided at the festivities. The children of all the schools were each pre- sented with a cake stamped with the words " Lib- erty and Equality." Sympathy was expressed, not merely in rejoic- ings. The elegant manners and address of the French officers and gentry who came to assist the American cause, had diffused a polish and ease in society. They, in their turn, became enamored of republican simplicity ; which, as is the case with all novelties and fashions, were copied to the ex- tent of caricature in France ; and, in return, these extremes found their imitators here. The striking peculiarities the absurdities of a party or a sect, are more readily copied than the essentials ; and we are told that the new French styles of ad- dress were adopted ; and masters and servants hailed each other by the title of Citizen. In a 1793.] EXECUTION OF THE KING. '339 very short time after the celebration alluded to above, the news arrived of the execution of Louis Sixteenth. Probably all enlightened, educated men who were bound by no party ties, political influences or prejudices, were now completely alienated from the Revolutionists ;' and looked with horror upon the furious, senseless masses, and their brutal lead- ers. Nevertheless, the arrival of Genet, the am- bassador from the new republic, was hailed with gladness ; and he was received in Charleston, South Carolina. He brought the news of war declared by France against England, February 1st, 1793. French principles had extended to England. The contagion of democratic ideas Liberty, Equality, Fraternity had pervaded every part of the nation ; and sympathizing clubs were formed, who corresponded with the Revolutionists, giving serious alarm to the government and the aristoc- racy. A large majority of both houses of Parlia- ment became urgent that war should be declared against France ; " a holy war," it was said, " against treason, -blasphemy, and murder, and a neces- sary war, in order to break off all connection be- twixt the French Government, and the discon- tented part of our own subjects, who could not ' otherwise be prevented from the most close, con- stant, and dangerous intercourse with them." On the news of the king's execution, the Eng- lish ambassador was recalled, and a hint given the French envoy to depart. With a lingering hope of peace, however, the British minister desired to 340 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 40. have satisfactory assurance that the decree of the nineteenth of November was not to be applied to England. " The National Convention declares in the name of the French nation, that it will grant fraternity and assistance to all people who wish to recover their liberty ; and it charges the exec- utive power to send the necessary orders to the generals, to give succor to such people, and to de- fend those citizens who have suffered or may suf- fer in the cause of liberty." It was ordered that a translation of this decree into every foreign lan- guage should be printed for the benefit of all who were interested. The Convention and the Minis- ters of France refused all explanation ; and finally, without a dissentient voice in the Convention, de- clared war upon England. War between England and France could not be viewed without very serious concern by the Amer- ican Government ; and, in especial, by Washington, its clear-sighted head. To carry out existing treat- ies with France, to give shelter to French priva- teers, and deny the same privilege to her enemy, would produce a rupture with England. The best measures that prudence could dictate were adopted ; and a proclamation of neutrality was issued. But before news of this proclamation had reached France, orders had been issued there, in direct violation of the Treaty of Commerce, for the capture and forfeiture of enemies' goods on board neutral vessels ; whilst the treaty provided that free ships should make free goods. It proved that the secret instructions of Genet 1793.] GENET: DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES. 341 were to use every means to force the United States into a war with England. The aid afforded by them in our Revolution was made the ground for requiring the nation to go hand to hand with the French, in their war with England. Arriving at Charleston, and received there with an enthusiastic welcome, Genet was enabled to obtain volunteers. Ships were fitted out as priva- teers, which sailed under the French flag, and soon made numerous captures of British vessels. On the demand of the British ministers for res- titution, it was decided by our government that the captures were illegal, and that the vessels must be restored. Nevertheless, Genet succeeded in rousing to a great pitch of excitement the feel- ings of hostility towards England, which our Revo- lutionary War had engendered. A severe struggle ensued between our government on the one hand, and Genet and the French party on the other. He was instructed to act with firmness, as it was the people, they said not the executive were the sovereigns ; and the people were his friends. Democratic societies, originated at first by Frenchmen, and consisting in part of individuals of that nation, were formed all over the country, who bitterly opposed the measures of Washington. There has been of late years, a desire to sink into oblivion the violent hostility which at this time, and at others, was excited in certain quarters, against one whose name is now so universally re- vered. But the truth of history requires that the fact should be kept in mind. We cannot understand 342 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 40. the motives and principles of those who supported his views, unless we keep fully in mind the viru- lent opposition with which those views were met. The fact cannot be too strongly brought to mind, and when the wisdom and motives of an upright administration are assailed, we should look back upon the case of Washington, recalled by another instance in recent times, where well placed con- fidence gave way at the first shock of adverse events, and the popular voice accused the admin- istration of imbecility and lack of judgment; a censure so entirely reversed by subsequent events. Washington, at this moment, declared "he had rather be in his grave, than at the head of affairs. He had rather be on his farm than to be made emperor of the world ; and yet they were charg- ing him with wanting to be a king." Our govern- ment demanded the recall of Genet. In the mean time, he was called upon to give up all the vessels illegally captured ; as otherwise his government would be held responsible for the pe- cuniary amount of the necessary indemnities to Great Britain. On the accession of Danton and Robespierre to the administration, in October, 1793, Genet was recalled. Somewhere about this time Dr. Elisha Perkins of Norwich, Connecticut, conceived the idea of curing diseases by means of the application of certain in- struments, formed of different metals united, which he designated as " Metallic Tractors ; " but which obtained afterwards the more familiar designation of "Perkins' Points." 1793.] PERKINS' POINTS. 343 He had many interviews with Dr. Warren, who was perfectly ready to hear his explanations, and give a fair trial to his invention. But my father, however ardent in disposition, had from his early days been too much a man of practice, to enter very warmly into any novelties which did not ap- peal to reason. He wanted the faith necessary to make the ex- periment successful ; and he could not perceive the beneficial result which the tractors were sup- posed to produce. He was accustomed, therefore, to speak of " Perkins' Points " in the same tone, as of the predictions of Moll Pitcher, or the discovery of perpetual motion. The subject, however, is one that deserves seri- ous attention, in many points of view. We are told that three universities in America, declared in favor of the discovery. In London, a Perkinian institution was formed. In Copenhagen, it was equally successful. We are told that the cures effected, amounted by computation to one million five hundred thousand! What greater good could any man aspire to, than to effect, by a discovery of his own, the relief of pain or disease in one million five hundred thousand cases. A man might consider that his life had been well spent , and he might in old age look back upon it with satisfac- tion, could he be conscious of giving relief in one twentieth part of this number of cases. Does not such a man deserve better to be remembered, than the man who has slain his thousands or tens of thousands, if any hero since Saul or David has been so successful ? 344 LIFE OF DK. JOHN WARREN. [AcE 40. Was there really anything in this discovery? If so, why have the Points been abandoned ? Mesmer had published his discoveries in 1766 ; previous to which time, Father Hell had effected some cures, real or pretended, with common mag- nets. Dr. Perkins had undoubtedly heard of these assumed discoveries ; and he must have been fa- miliar with the effects of galvanism and Voltaic electricity upon the human system. After trial with various metals for several years, he fixed upon two materials, one of the appear- ance of steel, the other of brass, about three inches in length, pointed at one end. The Points were drawn over the affected parts in a downward direc- tion, about twenty minutes at each time. The af- fections in which they were found successful, were general inflammation, pain in the head, face, teeth, breast, etc. ; in other words, in what are now called neuralgic pains. There are certain principles which physicians very generally lose sight of, though they are often acted upon by quacks. We direct a patient to be kept very quiet ; and a very simple prescription, a harmless dose, given once in four hours or so, is considered the most rational prescription. In some diseases, and some systems, it is the only course. In typhoid fever, the system is prostrated, the fac- ulties are dulled, the patient only wants to be left undisturbed. In some constitutions, pain has a like effect ; it subdues, it prostrates ; the sufferer wishes to be let alone. In others, it rouses' and irritates ; there 1793.] METALLIC TRACTOES. 345 is a physical impatience of suffering which cannot be controlled, an unwearied battle with the disor- der. The patients require attention the whole time ; they must have some one working over them. In such cases, the mere passing the hand gently over the affected part for any length of time, even the holding the patient's hand, soothes the system and fits it for repose. If other rem- edies have been given, it prepares the way for their effect, just as the administration of ether will prepare the way for opiates. There is also another effect from the very gentle passage of the hand over the skin. I have been very much surprised to find that in the intolerable itching of Eczema or Heat Kash, which comes on in the. night, the very gentle passage of the hand downwards over the affected part, will quiet the irritation. Eubbing or scratching makes it still more intense ; but the passage of the palm of the hand, in the gentlest possible manner, down the limb, so as to produce only the slightest titillation, will stop, the suffering at once. But in the use of instruments like the tractors, there is not only the soothing influence of gentle motion, there is the effect of expectancy. It is, when we reflect upon it, a wonderful law of nature, and in appearance perfectly contradictory. The present moment only is our own ; and yet it is what we trouble ourselves least about. A man of ordinary courage will bear any amount of pain, ii* he can be sure of instantaneous relief or benefit from it. So in the midst of the irritation of pain, any 346 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 40. soothing application from which benefit may be ex- pected, acts as a sedative, composes the system, removes the irritation, and allows healthy action to spring up. These are principles which the reg- ular physician too often neglects. He thinks it beneath his dignity, or too great a demand upon his time, to perform the part of nurse or assist- ant. He writes his prescription, and gives his orders, but he seldom works over the patient him- self. Dr. Perkins was no quack. He is said to have possessed great natural endowments, bodily and mental. He was six feet high, and of remarkable symmetry ; a man of great liberality of character, strict honor and integrity, and rarely excelled in address and colloquial powers. Such a man might have effected wonderful cures, merely by the im- position of hands. A recent biographical writer (Adolphus Trol- lope) thinks he has made the discovery that hon- esty is not the best policy, as regards worldly affairs, and unfortunately the opinion finds too ready belief at the present time. Because fraud and villainy have a transient success, and the un- scrupulous and crafty accumulate large fortunes, people exclaim that honest men are trodden down, and must remain poor. They do not consider that a fair reputation and clear conscience are any compensation, and that a stigma never fails event- ually to be placed upon the individual, however wealthy, who has become rich by doubtful meas- ures ; a stigma which it is very probable he would 1793.J METALLIC TRACTORS. 347 give half his fortune to remove j if he has not formed the degrading love of money for itself, which is its own best punishment. Unfortunately for Mr. Trollope's theory, his own memoir proves just its reverse. The hero of his history, Philippo Strozzi, by a skillful, tortuous, and unscrupulous course, accumulates a vast amount of wealth ; but he is constantly suspected and plundered by all parties, and finally imprisoned and put to death by his own. A greater proof of the truth of the Latin sentence, " Raro antedecentem scelestum desendt pcena," could not be found. Humbug is never ultimately successful in med- icine, or in anything else. An enthusiast, a fa- natic, a madman, will obtain a thousand followers where an impostor will obtain ten. The Me- tallic Points owed their efficacy or success, first, to the sincerity, earnestness, and peculiar char- acteristics of the inventor ; secondly, to nov- elty ; thirdly, to their connection with a principle better understood now, than formerly, but still sufficiently mysterious, the effect of magnetism and electricity upon the animal system. There is still a wide field for research upon these matters. At this time, Mesmer had been adjudged an impos- tor ; animal magnetism, with its wonders and de- lusions, in its modern form, had not yet taken the field in Dr. Perkins' day. I find among my father's papers, a certificate of Dr. Abiel flail, with regard to his experience with the Tractors. 348 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 40. " I certify that in the course of my practice, I have made frequent experiments with Dr. Perkins' Points, in removing agues, rheumatic pains, head- aches, and inflammation of the eyes. One case of rheumatism I will relate. " Captain J. R., aged forty, was violently seized with rheumatism in his back and knees, which con- tinued forty-eight hours with no remission. I was called in the night, for they were afraid he would not live the night out, his pain was so severe. When I came, I thought best to let blood ; but while warming the water to put his feet into, I ap- plied the Points to one of his knees, and so down his leg, which in a few minutes removed the pain, and brought on very free perspiration. I then ap- plied them to the other knee, which had the same effect as on the first ; and then applied them to his back with the same success. He then got up and walked about the room, and the next day went out of doors, and had no more of the com- plaint. " I will mention one case of sore eye. " Mr. P. C.'s child, twenty-four hours after birth, was noticed to have an inflammation of one of his eyes. Every method that is prescribed in this complaint was taken with little or no effect, until the child was two years old ; then I applied the Points about two minutes, and to my great aston- ishment, the eye was perfectly well in forty-eight hours. (Signed.) ABIEL HALL." 1793;] SMALL-POX. 349 Dr. Perkins fell a victim to his exertions in the yellow fever of 1799, in New York. He took the fever himself, and died at the age of 59. No one appeared to prosecute his invention, and it died with him. The Tractors were abandoned, as every new thing, which meets at first with wonderful success, is apt to do. Being iised for everything, and in all sorts of cases, numerous failures must ensue, and the remedy sinks into oblivion ; or slumbers until revived in some new form. The small-pox visited Boston as an epidemic in 1792, producing great alarm . and consternation ; the greater, because it was supposed that the in- fection could spread through the medium of the air to a considerable distance, producing deadly pestilence. This belief has prevailed to a much later period. Many people fear, to this day, to pass a house, or even go into a street where there is* a case of small-pox. I have heard of an instance within a few years and not many miles from Boston, where the usual rites of burial were refused to a person who had died of small-pox ; and only one adven- turous individual was found, to wrap the body in a tarred sheet, and place it in the ground. The idea apparently was that it would promote conta- gion even after burial, except for the tarred sheet. But at the period when the disease was still un- tamed, and raged in all its loathsomeness and fatal- ity, there was reason for terror. At this visitation, the whole town was inocu- lated with small-pox matter in the course of three 350 LIFE OF DE. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 40 days. Nine thousand one hundred and fifty were subjected to it. One hundred and sixty-five died. Two hundred and thirty had it in the natural way, of whom thirty-three died. At this time, the pop- ulation of Boston amounted to twenty thousand persons. The deaths were principally children, and among the poorer population. " Those whose circum- stances admitted, sent their children to the neigh- boring hospitals for inoculation." Of those who remained, whole families were often crowded to- gether in single rooms, where fires were con- stantly kept for the purposes of cooking, and the patients were destitute of most of the comforts of life, with very little personal attendance, from the disproportion of nurses to the numbers of the sick." " The consequences which ensued, constituted a scene of confusion and wretchedness, which no one who was a witness could have viewed without horror and commiseration." l The recent small-pox panic in Boston, shows that the case is not entirely different now, since, on the one hand, the most vague and absurd no- tions of the extent of its contagiousness have pre- vailed, while on the other, the most obtuse and stu- pid neglect of rational precautions. The facts show the unsettled state of medical opinion with regard, to the laws of contagious diseases. 1 Mercurial Practice, page 133. CHAPTER XXL 1793-1794. YELLOW FEVER IN PHILADELPHIA. Dr. Warren's Letter to the Medical Fraternity. Speech on Retalia- tory Resolutions. IN the summer of 1793, the yellow fever ap- peared in Philadelphia, and prevailed with the most terrible severity and fatality, so as to render it indeed as Dr. Thacher terms it, " a memor- able event " in the history of the United States. Nearly four thousand and forty-four persons per- ished. Panic and dismay were universal, and ex- tended, as was natural, to the neighboring cities. The nature, cause, origin of this disease, became the universal subject of inquiry. The following letter, on behalf of the Massachusetts Medical So- ciety, was addressed by Dr. Warren to the Medical Fraternity of Philadelphia. " GENTLEMEN, As the inhabitants of this town are under some apprehension of the introduction of the malignant disease, which, from the best in- formation, is now raging in your city, and as a great variety of contradictory reports have been spread with respect to the nature of the distemper, 352 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 41. the degree of its contagion, the mortality attending it, and the method of cure, I am directed by the Council of the Massachusetts Medical Society, to request of you a communication of such facts re- specting the disease, as may enable them either to dispel the fears which at present so generally pre- vail in the minds of the community, or at least, to mitigate its violence, should it unhappily make its appearance among us. " You would greatly oblige us, gentlemen, and you would, at the same time, serve the cause of humanity, if you would, as early as possible, trans- mit to us as particular a history of the disease as your time will admit ; that we may be able, by an acquaintance with its diagnosis, to detect it in its earliest stage, and to use such precautions as may prevent its spread. If any special means of pre- vention and preservation from the infection have been ascertained, be pleased to notice them. If various methods of cure have been attempted, and any doubt remains as to which has been most suc- cessful, we should thank you for the general re- sults of your experience on this subject. "We most sincerely sympathize with the citi- zens of Philadelphia on this melancholy occasion, and particularly with our brethren in the medical line, on whom the burthen of the calamity must most pointedly fall. We should feel exceedingly happy could we contribute in any degree to an alleviation of their distress. But Providence has so ordered it, that though we can afford no aid to you, it may be in your power essentially to 1793.1 YELLOW FEVER. 353 serve us, by enabling us to avail ourselves in this case, of that experience, which to our regret, must have been so dearly to your cost. " A very early attention to this subject will be the more acceptable, as reports are already pre- vailing, though we believe without foundation, of the introduction of the distemper into some of the ports of this Commonwealth. We have further earnestly to request that you would, from time to time, honor us with your correspondence on this subject, and communicate whatever you may think of utility for the prevention or cure of this dis- ease." With Dr. Warren, expressions of sympathy and condolence were no mere words of form, no for- mula of speech, due in a case of this kind, from the organ of an association ; his words, written and spoken, came from his heart. He spoke, wrote, and acted from impulse, but his impulses were guided by the most rare forgetfulness of self. With an organization keenly susceptible of pain himself, he ever feared more for the sufferings of others than for his own. It might almost be said that he felt as much for the sufferers in a case like this, as if the disease had invaded his own family circle. The disease did not reach .Boston at this time ; but cases appeared here in 1796, and it prevailed with great malignity and very extensively in 1798, though it never reached the height of the epidemic in Pennsylvania. The American novelist, Brown, has given a vivid 23 354 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 40. and faithful picture of this epidemic in " Arthur Mervin." " The city .... was involved in confusion and panic ; for a pestilential disease had begun its de- structive progress. Magistrates and citizens were flying to the country. The numbers of sick multi- plied beyond all example even in the pest houses of the Levant. The malady was malignant and unsparing. " The usual occupations and amusements of life were at an end. Terror had exterminated all the sentiments of nature. Wives were deserted by their husbands, and children by their parents. Some had shut themselves up in their houses, and debarred themselves from all communication with the rest of mankind. The consternation of others had destroyed their understanding, and their mis- guided steps hurried them into the midst of the danger which they had previously labored to shun. Men were seized by this disease in the streets ; passengers fled from them ; entrance into their own dwellings was denied to them ; they perished in the public ways. " The chambers of disease were deserted, and the sick left to die of negligence. None could be found to remove the lifeless bodies. Their remains, suffered to decay by piecemeal, filled the air with deadly exhalations, and added tenfold to the dev- astation." This description almost equals De Foe's account 1793.] YELLOW FEVER IN PHILADELPHIA. 355 of the plague in London ; but in proof that it is no exaggerated picture of the disease, heightened or colored by the pen of a romancer, I quote from the Memoir of Dr. Rush in Thacher's " Medical Biography." " This general calamity lasted about one hun- dred days, extending from July to November. The deaths in the whole of this distressing period, were four thousand and forty-four, or something more than thirty-eight each day. on an average. " Whole families were confined by it. There was a deficiency of nurses for the sick. There was likewise a great deficiency of physicians, from the desertion of some, and the sickness and death of others. At one time, there were but three physi- cians who were able to do business out of their houses, and at this time, there were probably not less than six thousand persons ill with the fever. " A cheerful countenance was rarely to be seen for six weeks. The streets, everywhere, discov- ered marks of the distress that pervaded the city. In walking for many hundred yards, few persons were met, except such as were in quest of a physi- cian, a nurse, a bleeder, or the men who buried the dead. The hearse alone, kept up the remem- brance of the noise of carriages or carts in the streets. A black man, leading or driving a horse, with a corpse on a pair of chaise wheels, met the eye in most of the streets of the city, at every hour of the day, while the noise of the same wheels passing slowly over the pavement, kept alive an- 356 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 40. guish and fear in the sick and well, every hour of the night." It was thirty years since the fever had appeared before, and it baffled the skill of the oldest and most judicious physicians. They differed about its nature and treatment. Every variety of treatment proved unsuccessful, until finally, Dr. Rush adopted the plan of giving full purgatives ten grains of calomel, combined with ten or fifteen of jalap, besides other remedies, to " abstract excessive stimulus from the system ; " his theory being, that the weak and low pulse in this disease, was the effect of depression, not of exhaustion. This treatment was followed by im- mense success, so that he was universally sought after. He had more business than he and his pu- pils could possibly do, besides others employed in helping them to put up the powders. The biogra- pher of Dr. Rush says, that probably not less than six thousand persons in Philadelphia, were saved from death, by purging and bleeding, during the autumn of 1793. It may possibly be said, by those who doubt the efficacy of this sort of treatment, that the epidemic had probably spent its force, and other methods might have been found equally successful. Forty years ago, the debility of fever was regarded as produced, as it were, by a weight on the system. When the weight or congestion was removed, a rebound took place. Now, the weakness is con- sidered real, not artificial. 1793.1 RETALIATORY RESOLUTIONS. 35*7 I have spoken before of the troubles with France. Difficulties had also arisen with England. A Brit- ish Order in Council, dated November 6th, 1793, had directed their cruisers to stop and bring in for adjudication all ships laden with the produce of any French colony, or carrying supplies for the use of any such colony ; an order which would destroy all neutral trade with the French colonies. It pro- duced very great excitement among both parties, when it was received here. Resolutions for raising fifteen regiments of soldiers were proposed in Con- gress. On the third of January, Mr. Madison proposed resolutions imposing higher duties and greater re- strictions on the manufactures, products, and ships, of a certain nation or nations therein described. This was with a view of inducing other nations to enter into competition with England, for supplying us with manufactures. Mr. M. insisted it would make " our enemies " feel our power, by depriv- ing of bread those who had manufactured for us. The resolutions were opposed by Fisher Ames, who showed in a most able speech, that we ourselves should be the greatest sufferers if their passage prevailed. At a town meeting on this subject, held in Bos- ton, Dr. Warren spoke as follows : " The present question I conceive to be one of the most important that has engaged the town, since the Revolution. "Nothing but a full conviction of its importance, 358 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 41. sir, could have induced me to deviate so far from the line of my profession, and from the habits in which I have been conversant, as to offer my senti- ments upon a subject which has been so ably dis- cussed by the* gentlemen who have preceded me. "An honest wish to investigate truth, and to embrace it when found, is the only title I can plead to the candor of my fellow-citizens, whilst I venture to make a few observations on the general nature, and probable tendency of the measures in debate, unused as I am to speaking in public, and desti- tute as I find myself of the qualities requisite for enforcing conviction upon the minds of so respect- able and so enlightened an audience. Upon a subject with which I am so little acquainted, I shall presume to offer only such ideas as have oc- curred to me, on a view of it as a system of com- mercial retaliation. Any other mode of examina- tion, which might descend to the particular merits of the system proposed, would far exceed the hum- ble abilities I possess. To this, I profess myself utterly inadequate. "The grievances complained of, and the imposi- tions we suffer in the commerce of the country, are evils of a most serious and alarming nature. Their existence cannot be disputed, and the only ques- tion now before the town is, whether the proposed method is the most likely to obtain a redress of them? " On the principles of common sense, and on these only, do I feel myself in any degree qualified for this discussion. On the principles of common sense, I say, sir, let us examine the question. 1794.1 SPEECH ON RETALIATORY RESOLUTIONS. 359 " The two most powerful nations of Europe are now engaged in a war which involves in it the most important interests of states and of empires. In the course of this contest, the United States have been unfortunately so situated as to have suffered very considerable injuries in her com- merce with these powers. Most of these injuries, we will allow, have been received from the power against which these resolutions are pointed, but it appears to me, sir, of some consequence to deter- mine whether they have originated with the govern- ment, or only from individuals of that power. So far as I can learn, sir, it has been chiefly from the latter. u If so, sir, is it not the first step which reason dictates to be taken on the occasion, to represent those injuries to the government of Great Britain, and seek perhaps even demand redress ? " But admitting, sir, that this government has actually combined with other powers to intercept our intercourse with France, are we necessarilv to / conclude that this measure arises from a direct en- mity to the commerce of these States ? I humbly conceive, sir, that this is not necessarily to be in- ferred. " I view it, sir, as one of the last and most des- perate efforts of that nation to carry her points against France ; a course which was a glorious one when the exertions commenced, which were made in defence of it, and which, however these principles may at times have been lost sight of in the pursuit, will, I doubt not, finally be purged 360 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 41. from the stains it has contracted, and rise trium- phant over the impotent malice of its enemies. "If the restrictions imposed by Great Britain upon our commerce originate from the motives suggested, they are a strong argument that she begins to despair of success from any other meas- ures, and now means to suppress the French Revo- lution, by cutting off their supplies from this coun- try. The obvious question then is, whether the resolutions on the table will free our commerce from the shackles imposed, and enable us to force our supplies into France ? " If the system of Great Britain was originated from these principles, it appears to me clear that they will persevere in them, for the same reasons that they adopted them; at any rate, is it not highly probable, that for a considerable time our commerce must be entirely suspended ? " Is it not also highly probable that the measures proposegl would be the means of utterly sacrificing the immense property which, by the detention of our ships in the ports of Great Britain and her dominions, are now in her hands ? " If we consider ourselves as the allies of France, and as well wishers to her Revolution, and I do con- ceive, sir, that this may have been a very honest motive for bringing forward these resolutions, can we believe that this system of retaliation would place us in a situation to assist them, in their con- test with their enemies ? The only way, sir, by which we can be useful to our allies, is either by furnishing them with men, or with money. The 1794.J SPEECH ON RETALIATORY RESOLUTIONS. 361 former they cannot want, and the latter we can never furnish them, if by any means the property now at stake should be lost or our commerce anni- hilated. The debt we owe them cannot be paid under these circumstances, and I cannot conceive any assistance we could afford them in time of peace, should that continue after the measures are adopted, and much less, should a war be the conse- quence of them. " Upon these considerations, sirj as a friend to my country, as a friend to the nation with whom we are in alliance, I am opposed to the resolutions, and as an enemy to war, deprecate the adoption of them at the present period. " Whether the present European war should ter- minate in favor of Great Britain or against her, it appears to me that the most favorable time for measures of this kind will be after that period ; for, after a most expensive war which must exhaust her finances, almost equally in either case, we shall have every advantage over them for commercial arrangement. " I know it has been said, sir, that the same lan- guage with respect to the time for commencing opposition against Great Britain, was held at the beginning of the late Revolution, but I conceive that our situation is totally different from what it was then. " We were then, sir, laboring under all the evils of actual hostility. The fleets of Great Britain had blocked up our ports, her armies were quartered on our cities, and her soldiers had shed the blood 362 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 41. of our fellow-citizens in our streets, and at our doors. Our application for redress had been refused with contempt. That it was time then, sir, to rouse into resistance, was denied by no one who had the feelings of a man. But it would be absurd to in- sist that, therefore, we are to precipitate ourselves into measures which may be ruinous in their con- sequences, without the best information, the most deliberate consideration, and before the legitimate means had been resorted to for redress ; and I am sincerely apprehensive, sir, it would be productive of evils which we may have occasion deeply to de- plore, when it may be too late to remedy them." The moderation and clear good sense of this speech are worthy of notice. Party feeling was now raging pretty high. Those who had opposed the Constitution from fear of its monarchical ten- dencies, or its tendency to consolidation, retaining their bitter hatred towards England, held to demo- cratic France, and wished to adopt violent meas- ures, relying upon French protection and assist- ance. The speech was carefully adapted to concili- ate both parties, and induce them to be guided, not by party feeling, but by appeal to their reason. The Retaliatory Resolutions were rejected. The calm judgment of Washington, who never suffered himself to be carried away by hostile, or misled by friendly feeling, adopted a better course. He sent a trustworthy and capable negotiator, Mr. Jay, a man of " the loftiest and most disinterested pa- triotism, " to the Court of St. James, to endeavor to arrange these difficulties. 1794.] COMPLAINTS AGAINST ENGLAND. 363 Mr. Jay was well received,, and after great labor and overcoming severe obstacles he obtained the treaty which bears his name. Even before his return, and before the terms of the treaty were known, the French party prepared to attack it. Intense excitement prevailed all over the country, which was not allayed when the provisions of the treaty were made public. CHAPTER XXII. 1794-1798. DEBATES ON JAY'S TREATY. Complaints against England. Speech on Jay's Treaty. Eulogy , on Thomas Russell. FT is worth while, for a moment, to recur to a brief statement of the grievances which were complained of. Both England and France regarded America as a congeries of feeble states, probably too much exhausted by the War of Independence to be able to assert their rights abroad, if they had done so at home. The English claimed a right to confiscate vessels and cargoes supposed to be on their way to hostile ports, not confining themselves to those really, or assumed to be, in a state of blockade, and they were captured, carried in, and condemned on trifling pretences. What was a still greater wrong, and a matter of much more impor- tance, they claimed the right to seize on board of our vessels all real or supposed British subjects, including all who could not prove themselves otherwise. The Americans claimed that all naturalized citi- zens were exempt from British authority, but Brit- ish theory maintained, and until very recently has 1796.J JAY'S TREATY. 365 continued to maintain, that no British born subject can ever forfeit or divest himself of his allegiance. Added to these, were other causes of dispute. Negroes taken during the late war were, by the treaty of peace, to be restored to their masters. This was not done, or done very imperfectly ; prob- ably could not be done in many cases. The west- ern posts, which were to have been given up, were still held by British garrisons, and to this was ascribed the hostility of the northern Indians. Under all the inherent difficulties of the case, Mr. Jay's treaty obtained all that could be reason- ably expected, but, as I have said, bitter opposition was already prepared, even before its provisions were promulgated. A meeting was called in the town of Boston, at which a remonstrance was drawn up, and sent on to government. Washington, calm and conscien- tious, convinced that the treaty-making power re- sided in the government ; while he answered this and other like remonstrances with moderation, ratified the treaty, with the exception of one arti- cle, which related to the trade with the West In- dies, and sent it to England. On its return, he sent a copy to the House, and proclaimed it as the law of the land, it having been previously ratified by the Senate in a special session, June, 1795. De- bates were violent in the next session of Congress. The whole force of each party was called forth in the House of Representatives. Gallatin made gi- gantic efforts on the Democratic side. On the Federal side, Fisher Ames supported the treaty in 366 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 43. one of the ablest and most effective speeches ever made in Congress. Although it was sedulously maintained by the opposition that there would be no danger of war, the idea of which was ridiculed as pusillanimous, and that even in case of war, America supported by France would suffer no harm, the minds of the people, especially of the maritime States, having cooled down, the dangers of a conflict with Great Britain inspired serious alarm. Commerce was almost suspended, and insurance against capture could not be obtained. The ap- peal to private interests was thus strongly felt, for great profits had at first accrued from neutrality, and commerce had been rapidly increasing. Peti- tions in favor of the treaty were sent in from the principal cities. I find the following account of a meeting, got up by the Democratic leaders in Boston, in opposition to the Boston Memorial. The reelection of their candidate for Governor, Samuel Adams, and of two Senators to the General Court, Gerry and Eustis, encouraged them to this step. It is taken from the " Oracle of the Day : " From the " Oracle of the Day, " Boston, April 20, 1796. INTERESTING AND ALARMING. "It appears that on Thursday evening, a few mer- chants assembled at Mr. Taylor's office, in conse- quence of a communication from Philadelphia, and chose a committee to go round the town with a 1796.] MEMORIAL. 367 Memorial to Congress, to carry the British Treaty into effect. Early on Friday morning, parties of this committee were discovered in different parts of the town, using every endeavor to procure sub- scribers to the Memorial ; a copy of which follows : " ' MEMORIAL. To the Hon. the House of Representatives of the United States : '"The Memorial of the subscribers, Merchants and Tradesmen of , respectfully represents : " ' That they have waited with anxious expecta- tion to see the necessary measures adopted by your honorable House for carrying into operation the treaty concluded between the United States and Great Britain ; and are now seriously alarmed, lest these measures should be further delayed or en- tirely omitted. " ' Under that impression, they deem it incumb- ent upon them to represent, that .property of the merchants of the United States, amounting upon a moderate computation, to more than five millions of dollars, have been taken from them by the sub- jects of Great Britain, the restoration of which they verily believe depends, in a great measure, upon the completion of the treaty on our part. " ' Independent of this immense sum, they have embarked the principal part of their remaining for- tunes in vessels and adventures, the safety of which will, as they apprehend, be materially af- fected by a refusal or neglect on the part of the United States to comply with the stipulations so solemnly entered into. Besides their particular 368 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Aos 43. interests as merchants and traders, they feel an interest in common with their fellow-citizens of other descriptions, in the preservation of peace, on which the property 'of this country depends ; and they should deem themselves wanting in that spirit and independence which ought ever to character- ize free men, if they forbear, on so interesting an occasion as the present*, to express their wishes and expectations. They, therefore, with all due respect for the representatives of the people of the United States, beg leave to recommend that no partial considerations of policy may influence their decision on this important question ; but that the faith, the honor, and the interest of the nation, may be preserved, by making the necessary pro- visions for carrying the treaty into fair and hon- orable effect.' " The independent citizens soon took the alarm, and a petition to the Selectmen was soon filled up with the names of a number of Freeholders, praying them to call the town together immediately, to take the sense of the inhabitants upon so import- ant an occasion. Saturday afternoon the Select- men issued a notification for town meeting on Monday." 1 The " Sentinel " says that on the day the Memo- rial was set on foot, the subscribers amounted to near one thousand. " Vox Populi Vox Dei ! " " In our last we mentioned that a number of our 1 1 need not say that this account is slighty satirical. 1796.] BOSTON MEMORIAL. 369 fellow-townsmen had exercised the Rights of the Citizen, in signing the Memorial to Congress, which appears in the day's paper. It now remains for us to give the consequent proceedings on that measure. " On Saturday, about twenty persons presented a petition to the Selectmen, praying ' that as certain persons are carrying about a paper for signing, upon the subject of the British Treaty, a town meet- ing may be called, that the sense of the inhabit- ants at large may be taken thereon, lest the sen- timents of the persons subscribing said paper should be considered as the act of the whole town.' "A meeting was accordingly called to assemble at ten o'clock on Monday. Although the signers of the Memorial had no voice in calling the meeting, yet considering themselves arraigned for exercis- ing an inherent privilege, and their rights as citi- zens invaded, they considered it their duty to at- tend, and to vindicate those rights. Accordingly, before ten o'clock, Fanueil Hall was nearly full ; and the meeting being opened, the town chose the Hon. Thomas Dawes, Moderator. From the con- tinued increase of numbers, an adjournment to the Old South Meeting-house became necessary. Re- assembled here, Dr. Jarvis opened the debate in a very eloquent address to the feelings of the vast assemblage then before him. He was followed on the same side by Mr. Austin, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Morton. They were replied to by Mr. Otis, Dr. Warren, Colonel Dawes, and Mr. Jones, with great eloquence, investigation, effect, and we think con- 24 370 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 43. viction. If it were not invidious to distinguish where all were eminent, we should pay that hom- age of respect to the eloquence, independence, and general knowledge of Mr. Otis, which was rendered by every one who heard him. But we forbear. It were impossible to do justice to the research, animation, and independence which char- acterized all the speeches, and which, notwith- standing the sanctity of a place of worship, drew forth involuntary bursts of applause. A number of extraneous motions were made. One by Dr. Jar- . vis, that Mr. Maclay's late motion in Congress should be read ; which Mr. Otis moved should be amended, so that the President's Message to the House should also be read. These were both with- drawn. Dr. Jarvis also moved that a time be as- signed in the afternoon, when the question should be determined by written yeas and nays. This was negatived. Dr. Warren then moved, ' That the town do approve of the object and senti- ments contained in the Memorial that has been read, and referred to in the petition, and is now before them ; " which was determined in the affirm- ative by the largest show of hands, we ever recol- lect to have seen. The number of citizens present could not be less than twenty-three or twenty- four hundred ; and those opposed to the motion, did not appear to be an hundred. The record of the town, as certified to by the town clerk, declares it a very great majority ; and some of the fathers of the town, the most experienced in the calculation of numbers, estimate the hands 1796.] DR. WARREN'S SPEECH. 371 held tip by the minority at less than an hundred. Good sense, decorum, and fraternity presided at the meeting, and the friends of our valued Constitu- tion, the peace, prosperity, and welfare of our country, will join in animated congratulations to the mechanics and other citizens for the firmness and independence exhibited on this occasion." At this meeting Dr. Warren spoke as follows : " I am, sir, in favor of the Memorial to Congress, for the purposes pointed out in it ; because I believe war to be the greatest calamity that can befall this people ; and because I believe that there is the utmost hazard that war will be the consequence of withholding the provisions for carrying the treaty with Great Britain into effect. " My reasons for deprecating a war at the pres- ent period are, that we are now, under the ad- vantages of our neutrality, carrying on a com- merce highly beneficial to the country ; and that the mechanical and agricultural interest, as well as that of every other description that can be named, are at this moment in a state of unexampled pros- perity. That the moment a war shall take place, the sources of this prosperity will cease, and the expense of carrying it on amount in a few months to more than we can lose by the treaty, bad as it may be, within the period to which its operation is limited ; and that compared with the immense prosperity which is, at this moment, in the most exposed situation conceivable, the evils of that instrument, for the term of two years only, after 372 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 43. the European war shall be closed, when we may perhaps alter it as we please, cannot be of such magnitude as to justify the hazard we shall run by the experiment contended for. " I conceive that on the important points of peace and war, there are usually two different motives operating upon nations in their decision on these subjects, justice and expediency. We have good authority for declaring that many things may be lawful, that are not expedient ; and states, as well as individuals, have in all ages adopted the maxirn. " It is, therefore, wisdom and not pusillanimity, for us to take into consideration, as well the policy of a war, as the right we should have upon our side, in entering into it. " We are daily increasing in our resources. Our wealth and population for the time are unparalleled in the history of the world. In a few years, we the nations of the world into justice. Why then shall be able to speak a language which will awe should we lavishly expend the force and vigor of our youth in a doubtful contest, when the strength of manhood will soon render us equal to the most hardy enterprise ? "As to the justice of the war on our side, it is true we have been most grossly insulted by the nation in question. I am no advocate for those spoilers and ravagers of the ocean. God forbid I ever should be. I am not under under British influence, sir. I am no old Tory or Aristocrat. But I am a friend to the Government of this commonwealth, and of the United States. I wish to preserve those 1796.] DR. WARREN'S SPEECH. 373 resources, upon which their strength and opulence depend ; and I believe, sir, that nation has a heavy account of unatoned offences to settle in the Tri- bunal of States and that vengeance will overtake them, in due time, for the enormities they have been guilty of. But let that be left to Heaven to inflict. " These, sir, are some of my reasons for depreca- ting a war at this period ; and I have only to sub- join those which have induced me to believe that should our Government neglect to make provision for the treaty, there is the utmost degree of prob- ability of that event. " As to the disposition of Great Britain towards these States, it has ever been unfriendly ; and I cannot but believe that they have been ripe for hostilities with us, ever since the commencement of the European war. Their inclination, then, can- not be doubted. " As to the policy of it on their side, I acknowl- edge myself no politician ; but I would suggest whether at a time when their navy is riding tri- umphant on the sea, and spread over the whole face of the ocean, the American property which might be immediately captured by them, together with that which is already in their hands and is now awaiting a judicial decision, would not go far towards indemnifying them for the expenses of the war ? And what is perhaps a circumstance of still greater consequence to the cause of liberty in Arilerica, whether it would not be the means of cutting off those supplies of provisions which our 374 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 48. neutrality enables us to furnish to the French, and thereby endanger the final success of that cause in which they are engaged ? " However our sentiments may be divided on the question of the agency of the House of Represent- atives, in giving efficiency to the treaty, it is ob- vious that other nations have hitherto had but one opinion on the subject; and I think it cannot be doubted that this opinion is, that when a treaty has gone through the forms to which this has been submitted, it has received the last stamp of valid- ity, and the nation becomes obligated to carry it into execution. " If this is the case, has not the British nation a pretext in the eyes of the world, at least as justi- fiable as those upon which two thirds of the wars that have taken place for the last century have been founded ? . " It becomes in my opinion, sir, a question of the most serious consideration with those who contend that our national honor requires the adoption of the measures that have been advocated, whether our own honor will not suffer more in the eyes of the world, by the imputation of violating our na- tional faith, than by a punctual compliance with our public obligations, even should it be the means of sacrificing a part of our interests. " These, sir, are my sentiments upon this impor- tant subject, and I cannot but believe that if we do not unite this day in testifying our assent to the solemn compact which our government has en- tered into, it will be one of the most serious mis- fortunes that has happened since the Revolution." 1796.] PARTY LINES. 375 This speech, prepared amid the pressure of va- rious professional occupations, exhibits the deep earnestness of the speaker, and gives in clear and forcible light, with the fewest words possible, and therefore most likely to be effective, the reasons for accepting the treaty already ratified by Wash- ington and the Senate. The meeting voted de- cidedly in favor of ratifying. The whole weight of wealth and intelligence, we are told, was in favor of the treaty. Here we find the former friends, Dr. Eustis and Dr. Warren, ranged in opposite ranks. Austin and Eustis had been elected by the Democrats to the Massachusetts Senate. Dr. Eustis and my father had acted together in the little volunteer band which went out for the capture of the rebels, in Shays' insurrection. In 1788, Dr. Eustis had be- come a member of the General Court, still continu- ing the practice of his profession. He served for two years as one of Governor Sullivan's Council, and became a zealous advocate for the measures of the Democratic party. It may be a little striking, should we pause now, and look back upon the group of 1775. Sam- uel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, Benedict Arnold, etc., represented by others, and declared by themselves, to be the bosom friends of General Warren. Would this friendship have continued ? Would Joseph Warren, who had wished " to die knee-deep in the blood of Englishmen," would he have over- come this intense hostility, and been guided only by what he conceived best for the nation, to form 376 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 43. an unbiased judgment ? Would my father and he have been found on opposite sides in politics ? It is a curious thing, that every biographer of men of that time, agrees in wishing to rescue the subject of his memoir from the appearance, even, of any hostility or disrespect to Washington. The most that the Democratic writers do, is gently to hint that Washington was a man ; all men are liable to error, no man can excel in everything ; therefore Washington, if a good general, was not an able statesman ; or, if he was a good statesman, he was not an able general. It would be very difficult to decide at what par- ticular time party lines became impassable barriers to friendship. Doubtless for some years the es- trangement among friends of the Ee volution, went on very gradually ; private friendships might be preserved amidst political differences. For a time they were looked upon as honest differences of opinion, until the progress of the French Bevolu- tion, and the tendency to adopt French principles, led one party to believe that the very existence of the nation was imperilled, and to fear that the scenes of violence and anarchy enacted in France, would be imitated here ; to believe that their ad- versaries were guided by the worst of motives, which could end only in universal anarchy and ruin ; the destruction of all principles of order and right. The other party, perhaps, led by men hav- ing some feelings of personal neglect, could see only in the others a determination to establish monarchical government. 1796.] KATIFICATION OF JAl's TREATY. 377 It can hardly be a question that party feeling at home, and the irritation of political strife, hur- ries a nation into war, oftener than a sense of for- eign injustice alone ; which becomes magnified and viewed through a distorted medium. Injuries that might be submitted to for a time, under the cool consideration of the greater loss and evil to be incurred by war, appear unbearable when seen through the medium of party strife. A nation that is rapidly increasing in wealth and power, developing its resources of agriculture and manufactures, extending its commerce and in- creasing its population, will, in course of time, if left to develop its energies in peace, overawe its enemies, and compel them, without bloodshed, to do it justice. ' But by plunging into hostilities without adequate motive, its progress is checked, it becomes exhausted and impoverished, and final- ly, after having vindicated its honor, and inflicted severe injury upon the enemy, it concludes a peace, leaving it weakened in power, while the most im- portant questions in dispute are left for future de- termination. Such has often been the case with France ; such has been the case with other Euro- pean nations. In the present case, the wiser and cooler counsels prevailed, and the opposition in Congress to Jay's treaty was overcome. On the 4th of May, 1796, Dr. Warren delivered a eulogy on the Hon. Thomas Russell, a distin- guished merchant of Boston, who died on the eighth of April previous, before various societies 378 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. . [AoB 43. of which he was president, as the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians, and others ; the Humane Society ; the Agricultural So- ciety ; the Society for the Advice of Immigrants ; the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and the Na- tional Bank of Boston. Mr. Russell was the first person who ever em- ployed a ship in the Russian trade. He was a very active member of the Humane Society ; a delegate to the Convention on adopting the Fed- eral Constitution, which he earnestly supported, aiding their deliberations by a valuable stock of facts, which his intelligence and means of informa- tion supplied ; a man of great liberality and be- nevolence. Mr. Russell embarked in 1762, with a cargo for the West Indies. War existing at that time with France, his vessel was captured, his cargo seized, and himself carried a prisoner into Martinico. It was his good fortune to have with him a letter of intro- duction to a gentleman of that place, which he had not expected to use. Upon being allowed to pre- sent it, this gentleman obtained his release from captivity, and befriended him to the utmost of his power. In other circumstances, he was equally fortu- nate. " Never," says Dr. Warren, " was a man more apparently the object of providential regards, than he whom we commemorate." " Does he fall into the hands of an enemy dis- posed to treat him with severity, a friend presents himself in the most critical juncture, and procures 1796.] EULOGY ON RUSSEL. 379 his release. Is he stripped of his property in a foreign land, the resources of the wealthy are opened to his necessities. Is he threatened with losses in business, those very dangers become the means of promoting his interest. Do we see him laboring under a sense of obligation for unrequited favors, an opportunity presents of repaying the debt by similar offices in situations of distress. "In all circumstances, he preserved a consist- ency of behavior. In prosperity he was not elated, nor dejected in adversity." " The pompous parade of a funeral ceremony has often attracted the staring crowd of uncon- cerned spectators, but the solemn silence in which a long procession of undissembling mourners at- tended his obsequies, is a proof of the most incon- testible, of unfeigned attachment. " To the bosom of the tomb we have committed the sacred relics, and bid them a long adieu. But be consoled, ye weeping relatives, you shall meet him again. A soul endowed with so many godlike qualities can never perish. It shall yet reanimate the precious dust, shall burst the walls of the dark prison that confines it, and arrayed in robes of ce- lestial glory, be ushered into everlasting day." CHAPTER XXIII. 1798-1799. AFFAIRS WITH FRANCE. Reception of the Treaty. Exorbitant Demands. Resistance. Address to the President. Communication to the Press. Wash- ington called to the Command. Naval Victory. Interest in Public Affairs. Death of Washington. Universal Regret. Lull of Party Feeling. ratification of the treaty with England, was received in France with great disappoint- ment and irritation. The views of the existing government, that America was bound to them by ties of gratitude, that she owed them her very existence as a nation, that she ought to make common cause with them, and supply them with money for carrying on the war with England, together with their belief that she was a feeble and contemptible power, that could be crushed as easily as an Italian State, led to acts of insupportable hostility. Among other measures, it was decided to treat American seamen, impressed into English men of war, as pirates. American seamen were not only liable to be im- pressed from merchant ships by English men of war, but also when these men of war were cap- tured by the French, to be executed as pirates. 1798.] FRENCH DEMANDS. 381 Thus the profits of American merchants, who, as neutrals, did a greater portion of the. carrying trade, which was very profitable, were entirely cut off, and our merchant ships driven from the ocean. But in consequence ''of Jay's treaty, the conduct of the English government was becoming more favorable, and they began to give indemnity for wrongs to our vessels; while affairs with France were becoming worse. The French Directory had refused to receive or retain a standing embassy. Our ambassadors had been obliged to leave France. It was deter- mined, after much debate, to send an extraordinary mission to France, composed in part of Federalists, the supposed friends of England, and partly of Democrats, the avowed friends of France. The French Government refused to treat with the for- mer. The latter obtained private interviews. Lit- tle benefit was obtained. The Directory demand- ed a douceur for themselves, and a sum of money for the republic, as the only conditions on which they would treat. When these conditions were made public, the universal cry was, "Millions for defence, not a cent for tribute." After the failure of the embassy, composed of Gerry, Pinckney, and Marshall, a meeting was called in the town of Boston, and an address to the President prepared, expressing approbation of the measures recommended by him to conciliate the French Republic ; a high opinion of the virtue, patriotism, and wisdom of the National Govern- ment, and a fixed resolution to support at the risk 382 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. of their lives and fortunes, such measures as might be necessary to promote and secure the honor and happiness of the United States. They affirmed that they were not divided in any point that in- volved their honor, safety, and essential rights. They knew their rights, and were determined to support them. In support of this address to the President, my father prepared the following communication, which was published in the "Mercury." It shows that at this time, at least, he did not share the ex- treme views of some of his party : " GENTLEMEN, We are now arrived at that sol- emn period of our national concerns, when the efficacy of our republican constitution of govern- ment for the union and protection of the citizens who enjoy it, is to be put to the test. " A foreign nation, presuming on our internal dissensions, contemplates the ravage and plunder of our coasts, and threatens the annihilation of the only true republic upon earth. You have pa- tiently submitted to innumerable depredations on your valuable commerce. Your exports have been arrested on their lawful destination to foreign coun- tries, and unjustly confiscated on the most frivolous pretences. The millions which you have lost by this hostile system, did not eradicate from your bosoms those sentiments of friendship by which you have been connected with a nation that you had fondly denominated a sister republic, and an attempt at conciliation was most cordially under- taken. 1798.J RESISTANCE TO FRENCH DEMANDS. 383 "An embassy, consisting of three of the most re- spectable citizens of the United States, was institu- ted by our president, with the important design of removing those misunderstandings, and their powers were amply sufficient for the purpose of effecting it. " They were instructed to place France in the same situation with respect to advantages in our intercourse with them, as was enjoyed by Great Britain, and that any favorable articles in the treaty with the Eepublic should be relinquished, if required, as a sacrifice to peace. " From the same motives, they were authorized to recede, if judged expedient, from our just de- mands for compensation for injuries, from the im- mense spoliations which our commerce had suf- fered. With a scrupulous regard to the sensibili- ties of the government, they were ordered to make their statements, though in the language of firm- ness, yet with moderation and delicacy. " Your envoys extraordinary to the Republic of France, furnished with these extensive powers for promoting conciliation and friendship, were not permitted to utter the amicable wishes of their country to the Directory, but were treated with studied and unprecedented neglect. Their appli- cations for a hearing have been answered only by propositions the most offensive to the feelings of an independent nation, adapted only to the habits of a corrupt and degenerate people, and proceed- ing only upon a calculation of the utmost debase- ment of principle and character. 384 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. " They have been told by authority, which can- not be disavowed, that the men they had to treat with disregarded the justice of our claims, and the reasoning with which we might support them, and that the diplomatic skill of France, and the means she possesses in our country, are the instru- ments by which she expects to destroy our union, and reduce us to submission. The example of Venice has been pointed out to your view, and you are threatened with her fate. A determina- tion has been avowed to make all nations either aid the French, or submit to them. Ravage and plunder, and the whole system of hostility, is pro- jected upon the presumption that we are a divided people. " Spurning a sentiment so degrading to the honor of our country, apprehensive that our si- lence might be construed into an acquiescence in the truth of the declaration, the inhabitants of Boston have almost unanimously determined by a public testimony of their confidence in the admin- istration, indignantly to wipe off the invidious as- persion. For this purpose they have subscribed an address to the executive and legislative branches of our Government, expressive of our reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of the men who com- pose them, and who were chosen by our suffrages to the place which they occupy. Convinced of the impartiality of their proceedings, and that the means they have taken for securing our neutrality are judicious, we have pledged ourselves at all hazards to support the measures which they may 1798.] WASHINGTON CALLED TO THE COMMAND. 385 adopt, and the concurrence of our brethren through- out the Commonwealth is most earnestly request- ed, immediately on the perusal of this communi- cation in the newspapers. u Forgetting then, the odious distinctions o.f party, let us unite in one common cause at this alarming crisis, that there may henceforth be no other contention among Americans, but who shall best promote the interest of our country, vindicate the honor of the national character, and redeem her sullied reputation. " Voted, That an address to the citizens of this State, requesting their concurrence in a memorial to our Government, expressive of their readiness to support their measures, be published in the pa- pers of all the printers." Preparations were made for defence. Washing- ton, who had retired from the Presidency in 1796, was summoned from retirement to take command of the army. Reluctant as he was, he felt that duty called him, and he expressed his obedience to the will of the nation. He set actively about the formation and regulation of the army. Many young men adopted the black cockade which had been worn during the Revolutionary War, by way of defiance and response to the tri- color, which was worn by many American citizens in token of their favor to the French Revolution. On the 9th of February, 1799, an action took place between the French Frigate L'lnsurgente and the American Constellation. The number of 25 386 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 45. their guns were about equal ; but the Constella- tion carried heavier metal. After an action of an hour and a quarter, I! Inmrgente struck her colors? and she was sent in as prize to the United States. She had twenty men killed and forty-six wounded, while the American lost only one man killed and three wounded. The news of this victory was re- ceived with great joy by the Federalists, but cor- responding depression to the other party. Other naval 'victories followed. In the mean time, the French arms had met with reverses in Europe, and the French party thought it a favorable time to attempt new nego- tiations. A new mission was decided upon, com- posed of Ellswqrth, Davie, and Murray. They were well received. The Revolution of November 8th, 1799, had taken place, and Bonaparte was now at the head of affairs. A convention was concluded on the first of Oc- tober, 1800, and thus a quasi war with France was terminated, leaving scarcely a record in French or American history, swallowed up as it was in affairs of so much greater and more universal importance upon the field of Europe. The subsequent aggres- sions of the English, and the fall of the Federal party, effaced the memory of French insults ; and they were remembered only as our allies in the French Revolution. Yet, by all true American patriots, these matters were watched and debated with the most intense interest and anxiety. It is certainly a subject worthy of great admiration and even wonder at 1799.] INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. 387 Dr. Warren's character and conduct, that in the midst of the anxiety and excitement with which he watched public men and measures, exerting his utmost energies in public meetings, in private consultations, in every other practicable way, and above all, in conversation with the many intelli- gent and influential people with whom he was con- stantly thrown in contact to give success to Fed- eral measures, he never neglected his profession, but continued to labor earnestly for the advance of medical skill and science, and at the same time to lend his aid in the earnest support of every benev- olent and charitable purpose. Whilst earnestly and fully believing that the leaders of the Democratic party, then called " Jacobins," were guided by selfish and evil mo- tives, and were pursuing measures which must end in anarchy and destruction, and that their fol- lowers were becoming little better than the Sans- culottes of Paris, he was ever ready to afford his aid to individuals in illness or misfortune, without regard to their political sentiments. The remarkable rapidity with which he made his visits, the rapidity of his ideas, by which he took in at a glance the whole situation of his patient, enabled him to obtain time for other objects, charitable, scientific, and political. To a different order of minds, it may appear that opinions thus formed, which cannot be traced step by step, and supported by argument, cannot be considered safe. It is remarkable that Dr. James Jackson, whose mind and method were of an opposite cast, gave 388 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 44. full justice to the different powers of Dr. Warren, and he refers to Dugald Stewart for an account and exemplification of this mental character, this power of rapid perception. Mr. Stewart quotes the advice of a distinguished personage to a judge who questioned his own fit- ness and ability for the office to which he was ap- pointed. " Do not hesitate, " he said, " to give your decisions boldly, according to your best judgment; but never support them by argument ; your de- cisions will be correct ; your reasonings will inev- itably be wrong." Mr. Stewart explains that in these intuitive, or what are called intuitive, perceptions, the mind goes through a process of reasoning so rapid that only the first and last step is perceptible, yet the result arrived at is equally correct with that which is laboriously traced out step by step. If a man thus gifted has sufficient confidence in himself, and can inspire it in others, no gift can be more valuable ; but if on the other hand, he dis- trusts his own convictions and labors to trace them out logically step by step, he inevitably becomes confused and bewildered. He loses the talent that nature has given him, and cannot acquire the log- ical accuracy which me'n of far inferior powers may attain. He becomes neutralized. At this period, my father made most of his visits on horseback ; but when he drove in a sulky or chaise, he drove very rapidly ; sometimes fearfully so. On one occasion, Dr. Danforth accompanied him to a consultation. He afterwards declared in 1799-1 DEATH OF WASHINGTON. 389 very strong language that he would never ride with Dr. Warren again. "He would sooner ride with the d 1." The streets of Boston were not very much crowded in those days ; rapid prog- ress was easier. A military company sometimes barred the way, and on one occasion, a captain who knew him and perceived his rapid approach, gave the order to open to the right and left ; either re- specting the surgeon's haste, or paying this honor to the brother of the slain general. In December, 1799, the death of General Wash- ington took place. It was felt by my father with all the keenness that his susceptible nature sub- jected him to. The loss of a child, and he had lost many, could not have afflicted him more. Making the welfare of his country his first object, and fully alive to all the perils of rocks and storms with which the infant republic was threatened, he felt how ir- reparable was the loss at this time to the nation. " The loss of this great man," says Hildreth, " es- pecially at this critical moment, was a terrible blow to the Federal party, of which he had always been the main pillar and support. The confidence so almost universally reposed in his virtue and his wisdom, had been a tower of strength, against which the furious waves of the opposition had dashed harmless ; and in the present unhappy di- visions among the Federal leaders, many eyes had begun to turn again towards him, as called upon for further labors and sacrifices. As he had con- sented to gird on again his sword, to repel the for- 390 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 46. eign enemies of this his country, many had begun to think that he ought also to permit himself to be raised a third time to the presidency, in order to still once more the contests of party, and to save the country from the internal dangers that threat- ened it." The firmness and moderation of Washington were indeed needed at this time. Many of the most earnest of the Federalists, sincere, patriotic, religious men, looking with horror upon the avowed atheism of the French Sans-culottes and philoso- phers, believed that the propagation of French principles involved the ruin of the country. They believed that men who had thrown off all the re- straints of divine, as well as human authority, would be governed by no law but their own selfish interests. There could be here, as there was in France, only a fierce and selfish struggle for indi- vidual preeminence, ending in anarchy and con- fusion. Seventy, even fifty years ago, views which are now tolerated and even admired under the names of Progress, Philosophy, and Science, would have subjected their propagators to prosecution and imprisonment. Sentiments to which our daily pa- pers and even our pulpits now give utterance and publicity, were formerly considered atheistic and blasphemous. It is not surprising, therefore, if many of the wisest and best informed of the Fed- eralists looked to Great Britain as l " the champion 1 Hildreth. 1799.] LULL OF PARTY FEELING. 391 of law, order, religion," and property, and fully sympathized with her in her contest with her he- reditary enemy. Through the long struggle, from the commence- ment of the French war with England, till the final overthrow of Napoleon, he watched with intense anxiety every turn or event. Probably at this time he did not share, as fully as afterwards, the extreme views of those to whom the name of " Essex Junto " began to be applied. Prudence, and the calm and judicious counsel of his wife, to which he was ever ready to give due attention, led him to favor conciliation ; though in the subsequent period when war with England had actually been brought on, he fully sympathized with their measures. It was about this time that the name first began to be applied by way of opprobrium. In the sub- sequent war with England, party fury absurdly accused them of a traitorous design to separate from the Union, and join the country's enemies ; a charge most preposterous and unfounded. It will be time to return to this matter in connection with the war of 1812. It is possible that the universal sorrow felt at the death of Washington may have softened, in some degree, the bitterness of party feelings, and have given to his well known views an influence wider than while he was living ; and that thus his death may have been less utterly disastrous, than the Federalists had reason to fear. CHAPTER XXIV. 1798-1802. YELLOW FEVER AGAIN IN PHILADELPHIA. Military Preparations checked. Letter on the- Fever in Boston. Vaccination. TN August, 1798, the military preparations for the war against France, which had been going on with great vigor, were brought to a sudden check by the alarming reappearance in Philadelphia of the yellow fever, which raged there with even greater violence than in 1793. All who were able, fled from the city. Many of the poorer classes left their houses and occupied the fields. The public offices were removed to Trenton, N. J. It appeared in every part of the city, and particu- larly in places where accumulated the greatest ex- halations from foul gutters and public sewers. Dr. Rush says, that the mortality was nearly as great as in 1793 ; although the number affected by the disease was four times as great in the former year. There were between three and four thousand deaths, among whom were three physicians and two students of medicine ; for in 1798, the city was deserted by nearly all its inhabitants. The deaths in the former year are stated at four thou- sand and forty-four ; and it is said there probably were not less than six thousand persons ill with it at one time. 1798.] YELLOW FEVER IN BOSTON. 393 The yellow fever showed itself in Boston at about the same period, and in answer to letters from physicians in Philadelphia, my father gives the following history of the disease, and of the modes of treatment adopted : BOSTON, December 22, 1798. " I have just received your favor of the 19th instant, and am extremely sorry you should have formed an opinion that I have been inattentive to the contents of your first letter, on the subject of the epidemic. '" I very highly approve of the plan communica- ted, and should immediately have answered it, had I not concluded it most expedient to wait for fur- ther facts than could possibly have been collected at that time. The principal of those were such as were connected with the origin of the disease, and the fatality that attended it. Many circumstances respecting the collection of putrid substances in stores and cellars were suspected to have existed under a concealment, which there was reason to be- lieve might be removed after the fever had sub- sided, and accurate returns, it was hoped, would be made of the number of those who had been sick, and of those who had died with the disease. In neither of these particulars have I yet been able to procure such satisfactory information as I could have wished, but shall readily offer such an ac- count of the disorder as my present materials have enabled me to prepare. " The first appearance of the malignant fever in 394 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 45. Boston, was on the 20th of July, 1798 ; though one family had been attacked with a fever, attended with unusual -symptoms, as early as the middle of June ; but as no other instances occurred for so long a time of an alarming nature, some doubts may be justly entertained of the identity of the affection. Three or four cases only, I believe, hap- pened between this and the latter end of the month. The two first of these, were young men employed in stores directly opposite to each other, on Green's Wharf, near the town dock. A few days after, three or four persons were seized with the same complaints, while pursuing their several oc- cupations in Market Square, on the east and south side of Faneuil Hall, or the Market House. " In the beginning of the month of August, six or seven persons were taken sick in the same neighborhood, chiefly young men between sixteen and twenty-four years of age, while employed in the stores and counting-houses there situated. The stores in Merchants' Row, extending from the Market to State Street, were more particularly visited by the fever, and in the course of the same month, a family at the bottom of State Street, and several persons at Oliver's Dock, were taken sick. At this place, a kind of basin is formed between a point of the town projecting from Fort Hill, and the Long Wharf, which is constantly receiving the offals of fish and other animal substances, which, from its situation, could not be washed off by the water contained in it. This spot is remarkable for having been the residence of most of the persons 1798.] YELLOW FEVER IN BOSTON. 395 first attacked with the Bilious Remittent fever of 1796. " In the latter end of the month, the number of sick continued to increase, but the attacks were principally confined to the above mentioned quar- ter, till at length the disease appeared on the south side of Fort Hill, at some distance to the southward of Oliver's Dock, keeping as it were, over the sum- mit of the hill, without alighting upon the inhabit- ants on the north of that eminence. The fatality of the disease was probably greater here, than in any other part of the town of equal population, and it was nearly the last place in which it ap- peared. " Very few families who remained in their own houses on the Hill, escaped the attack of the dis- ease, and its progress in all the places above men- tioned, seemed to have been arrested only by the evacuation of the buildings in that part. In the latter end of August, and through the month of September, manj persons were seized in Fore Street, which runs northerly from Market or Dock Square, along the heads of the wharves, and on the eastern side of the town. " Through the whole period of the sickness, scarcely a person was seized with the disorder, who had not resided, or been in daily employment, in the vicinity of these places. The subjects of the disease were generally natives of the town, chiefly in the prime of life, and in the vigor of health. u I recollect no instance of any of the French in- habitants being assailed by it, and have heard only of one or two of the blacks being affected with it. 396 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. " That the fever was in a degree contagious, I cannot entertain a doubt, but that it was not so in a very high degree, I am as fully persuaded, from the small number of cases, in which there was rea- son to believe it could not have been taken in any other way. In most instances, where contagion might have been suspected, the subjects were so situated that they might have received it from the same source, as those with whom they had commu- nicated. I cannot learn that any evidence has been furnished of infection by the sick, who had been removed into the country, though there were many instances of such removals under the most malignant forms which it assumed. " The fever was generally ushered in by a chill, but I think by no means equal to that which com- monly precedes fevers of the ardent kind, nor in proportion to the violence of its subsequent pe- riods. In a short time, the rigors were succeeded by excessive heat ; the pulse, which had been small and contracted, became hard and full ; the respira- tion laborious, from violent oppression at the scrottcyliis cordis ; the tongue assumed a whitish coat, the eyes became highly inflamed, while the pains in the head, back, and legs, became intolera- bly severe. To these symptoms succeeded nausea and vomiting of a highly bilious matter, seldom attended with diarrhoea, but often with a burning at the stomach, tenderness of the abdomen, paucity of urine, and, in one instance, a dysuria, with a great proportion of blood at each evacuation of that fluid. 1798.] YELLOW FEVER IN BOSTON. 397 "These appearances usually continued about forty-eight hours, after which, they suddenly g % ave place to a very different train of symptoms. The pulse sunk astonishingly and became intermittent, the heat and pains entirely subsided, and the pa- tient supposed himself to be out of danger. From a perfect possession of all his intellectual faculties, with a serenity of mind which, in no other disease, I believe, is so generally observed to accompany its last stages, in about the fifth day from the accession of the fever, he fell into a state of insen- sibility., and thence sunk gently into the arms of death. In others, this change was less rapid ; the pulse became gradually smaller, the distressing symptoms slowly abated, a coolness of the extremi- ties took place, and continued for several days be- fore death, accompanied with clammy sweats, often without any perceptible pulse in the wrists, for several hours before the fatal termination. " The tongue seldom became much coated, to the last. Delirium was by no means generally attendant, and a yellowness of the skin was far from being universal. Sometimes, however, this appearance was observed within the three first days, often on the fourth and fifth, and I was in- duced to consider it rather an accident, than a constituent character of the disease. "For the discoveries which were made on the dissection of some of the persons who died with the disease, I beg leave to refer you to a publica- tion in the " Boston Centinel," made during the 398 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. prevalence of the disorder in this place, and sub- scribed by Dr. Rand, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and myself." The letter goes into a very full explanation of the treatment adopted and considered most suc- cessful. This I omit for the present. " Various have been the causes," the writer con- tinues, " assigned to this disease. That its origin was domestic, I have not a single doubt. No in- stance of the arrival of a vessel from the warmer latitudes with this sickness on board has been dis- covered, and it is believed that the local causes are sufficiently numerous to account for its existence. At most of the places where its ravages have been made, very large quantities of putrid substances had been accumulating. The offals from the Fish Market, as well as damaged fresh and salted fish, to an immense amount, had been thrown into the Dock. A very great number of raw hides had been imported and stored in places contiguous to those in which business was constantly going on. The influence of a continued heat through the summer, to a degree scarcely before known in this country, had rendered these articles highly putrid, and from the same cause, several articles of provis- ion, such as barreled beef, etc., which had been prepared for exportation, but by reason of the re- straints laid on our commerce, retained in store, had become tainted. The effects of these were, in some instances, incontestibly evinced. Three lads, who had been employed in repacking beef, were 1798 ] YELLOW FEVER. 399 about the same time seized with -the disease in its most fatal form, and a person who had purchased some of the hides at a low price, immediately after their removal, fell a sacrifice to his folly. " Two or three thousand of the inhabitants re- moved into the country, and returned about the middle of October, when the decline of the disease justified the measure." The writer goes very fully into the subject of treatment. At first, the method of treatment gen- erally adopted, was that used in Philadelphia, in 1793, and fully described by Dr. Rush. It con- sisted in bleeding, active purges, and what were called small doses of calomel. Dr. W. says, " In my own practice I now usually commenced the treatment by bleeding from ten to sixteen ounces, and followed it with a dose of be- tween ten and fifteen grains of calomel with be- tween twenty and twenty-five grains of jalap, or an ounce of Rochelle Salts or more, according to the constitution. Immediately after the opera- tion of these medicines, I began with the use of cal- omel, in small doses, in pills of a grain, every hour, and sometimes three grains every two hours. I found occasion to repeat the bleeding two or three times, and it is worthy of remark, that in scarcely a single instance was this operation performed with- out almost instantaneous relief, although in most cases in a few hours after there was a recurrence of the symptoms." " The calomel was often continued through the 400 LIFE OF DR.- JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. whole course of the fever, and a ptyalism was usually brought on within three or four days, though sometimes upwards of two hundred grains were given at the rate of a grain every hour without any specific effect on the salivary glands. In pro- portion as the soreness of the mouth advanced, the symptoms universally gave way, and in every pa- tient, two only excepted, this effect of the medi- cine was a certain pledge of recovery." "Upon the whole, I believe that the most effica- cious remedy, and the most to be relied upon, is mercury. It is certain that under no other method of treatment, did so many recover, and there were but few instances of a fatal termina- tion, where it had been administered from the com- mencement of the fever." Dr. W. alludes to the use of the warm bath, as sometimes employed with benefit ; the cold, used sometimes, perhaps, with good effect, but he has no reason to think it generally salutary. It is remarkable that Drs. Bigelow and Holmes, in 1839, give an account of the treatment of yel- low fever by bleeding and mercury as supported by very high authority, and quote from Chisholm : "Upon the whole, then, the treatment is re- duced to one sentence bleeding to the extent necessary, plentiful alvine evacuation, mercurial ptyalism, and cold affusion." With the exception of the last application, the treatment is the same as that of Dr. W. Drs. B. and H., however, after alluding to the varying treatment which may be required in different years, and under different cir- 1798.] TREATMENT OF YELLOW FEVER. 401 cmnstances, conclude with a hint that if any physi- cian is bold enough to try the expectant treatment, he may be sometimes equally successful. Louis, who was one of the commissioners of the French Government to investigate the disease at Gibraltar, in 1828, states that all, or nearly all, the English physicians prescribed calomel in doses of two or three grains every two hours, counting from the first or second day of the disease. After the first week of the epidemic, the practice of all the military medical men became the same ; all administered purgatives and calomel, regarding calomel as the sheet anchor. The treatment of the Spanish physicians was very different, con? sisting of castor-oil, emollient enemata, etc., whilst unprofessional men thought they had discovered a specific in olive oil. The mortality in town, that is to say of those under the Spanish treatment, was less ; but M. Louis accounts for this from the circumstance of army soldiers being worse subjects for fever. This disease prevailed again in Boston, in the same locality, in 1802 ; and in fact for many years after there were almost annually, especially in hot summers, cases of the disease in the same vicinity. In 1829, it prevailed with great severity and fatal- ity. This confirms the opinion of Dr. Warren with regard to the local origin of the disease. In 1798, he says, " it was proved satisfactorily to have been indigenous." He says, also, " no physicians were attacked with the disease, and but few of the nurses. I knew several that attended through ev- 26 402 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 45. ery stage of the disease, performing all the offices of humanity and affection, without the smallest degree of complaint." The biographers of Dr. Warren and Dr. Rand give them credit for the intrepidity with which they exposed themselves whilst the fever was supposed to be highly contagious, in earnestly prosecuting dissections in every accessible case, in order to discover the morbid phenomena, and the true indications of treatment. An account of these dissections, dated September 5th, 1798, was pre- pared and published in the " Columbian Sentinel " and other papers. The conclusions drawn by them are as follows: " From the above dissections, which evinced a deficiency of secretions' in the biliary organs, the indications of cure seemed to be directed towards a course which might obviate the inflammation in general of the organs diseased, and open the ex- cretory ducts of the liver, that the fluid might re- sume its course into the intestines. " It is with the highest degree of pleasure that we communicate to the public our hopes that after proper evacuations, the use of calomel may be found to answer these important purposes. This medicine has been accordingly used with much suc- cess in fifteen patients within eighteen days, all of whom, excepting one, have passed the dangerous period. It has been exhibited not in the usual doses for the purpose of an evacuant by the intestines, but in small doses of one, two, or three grains, 1799-1 VACCINATION. 403 every hour or two, to produce a salivation as soon as possible. With this view, from one hundred to two hundred and thirty grains of calomel have been given in the course of three or four days, commencing the use of it immediately after the first copious evacuations by bleeding and purg- ing ; and, in every instance, as the salivation came on, the disease has abated." This account is also published in the second vol- ume of the " Memoirs of the American Academy." This course, they go on to say, " is similar to that of Dr. Rush of Philadelphia, and still more highly and explicitly recommended by Dr. James Clark, in a treatise on yellow fever as it appeared in the Island of Jamaica, in 1790." It is stated that Dr. Warren was in the habit of inhaling the breath of the fever patients, in order to judge of the effect of the mercury and its prog- ress towards salivation, it being considered neces- sary to produce salivation in order to check the disease ; and this he did at a time when the dis- ease was considered contagious. VACCINATION. We have already seen that Boston had suffered very severely from small-pox. The epidemic had prevailed at various periods and with great fatal- ity, owing to improper treatment. Inoculation with small-pox matter had been introduced by Zabdiel Boylston, in 1721. It requires, however, a knowledge of the terror inspired by a real small-pox epidemic, to realize 404 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 46. the importance of vaccination, which was first made known in this country in 1799. Its discovery was first announced in the " New York Repository." Dr. James Jackson, then in Europe, studied the practice under Dr. WoodvilLe, and hastened to return home, bringing with him a supply of vaccine matter, in September, 1800. In the mean time, Dr. Waterhouse had obtained mat- ter from Europe, tried the effects in his own fami- ly, and urged its general employment. As was natural, it was regarded with a great deal of in- credulity. The idea that so simple an operation, so mild in its effects, should be a complete protec- tion from a disease so terrible, required the strong- est efforts to overcome the general incredulity. Even in the present day, it requires all the strength and certainty of general experience, aided even by an occasional small-pox panic, to overcome these doubts and prejudices. After a long interval of freedom from its scourge, there will still be many people, who, having only vague ideas of the dis- ease, never having seen it except in its pseudo form of varioloid, prefer to take the chance of the real disease, rather than risk what they suppose to be the danger of humors, from vaccination. In order to test thoroughly the efficacy of cow- pox, and remove the existing prejudices upon the subject, the Board of Health in Boston erected a Hospital at Noddle's Island, in 1802, and appointed a number of physicians to pursue a course of ex- periments for this purpose. On the 16th and 19th of August, nineteen boys were inoculated with pure vaccine matter, in pres- 1799.] VACCINATION. 405 ence of the Board of Health, all of whom received and passed through the disease in a perfectly satis- factory manner. On the 19th and 21st of November, these nine- te.en children, with one other, who had received and passed through the disease two years before, were inoculated for the small-pox at Noddle's Island, with matter taken from a small-pox pa- tjent, in the most infectious state of the disease. The arms became inflamed at the incisions, but there was no constitutional indisposition whatever, though they had no medical treatment, and were all lodged promiscuously in one room. At the same time, and to prove the activity of the small-pox matter which had been used, two lads who had never had small-pox or cow-pox, were inoculated from the same matter. At the usual period, the arms of these two patients exhib- ited the true appearance of the small-pox, a severe eruptive fever ensued, attended with a plentiful crop of genuine small-pox pustules. When these pustules were in their highest state of inflammation, the twenty children were inocula- ted a second time, with recent matter taken from the said small-pox pustules; they were also ex- posed for twenty days to the infection, by being in the same room with the two boys who had the small-pox, so that if susceptible of the disease, they must inevitably have received it. Each of the children were examined by the phy- sicians, who were individually convinced that they were free from every kind of eruption, and were in a perfect state of health ; and they certify in a report 406 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 46. drawn up apparently by Dr. Lloyd, that the result of this experiment is satisfactory evidence that the cow-pox is a complete security agaimt the small-pox. This report is signed by Drs. Lloyd, Danforth, Rand, Jeffries, Warren, Welsh, and Bartlett. It is interesting, as showing the thoroughness of their investigation of the subject, and it must have been very efficacious in promoting the propagation of vaccine inoculation. Nevertheless, its popularity extended slowly, and it was considered necessary in 1808, for the Massachusetts Medical Society to appoint a com- mittee, for the purpose of collecting all the evidence with regard to the efficacy of cow-pox. A copious report was prepared and published in the first vol- ume of the Society's " Communications," establish- ing its efficacy beyond dispute. This committee consisted of John Warren, Aaron Dexter, James Jackson, and John C. Warren. They entered very fully and earnestly into this reexamination, and produced an elaborate report,, embodying four Resolutions, which contain all that is necessary to be known upon the subject, and from which nothing has occurred up to the present time to detract. They establish the full efficacy of vaccination as a protection against the small-pox, as complete as small-pox itself, but decide that it is better to revaccinate, as a test of the perfectness of the first vaccination. Persons have been known to have small-pox a second time. It cannot be expected that vaccination should be a more perfect protec- tion than the small-pox itself. CHAPTER XXV. 1799-1802. , DOMESTIC AFFAIRS. New Session of Congress. Troubles always Gregarious. Domes- tic affairs. Farm at Jamaica Plain. Mineral Spring in Bos- ton. Monsieur Ferori's Letter. Yellow Fever in 1802. O great had been the panic in Philadelphia, that the President debated whether he should not call the coming meeting of Congress, in some other city. But before the time appointed for the new session, November thirteenth, the fever had subsi- ded on the appearance of the first frosts. At this meeting of Congress, the measures for active warlike preparations, which had been sus- pended by the fever panic, were earnestly resumed, and after some successes, a Convention with France was agreed to, which was ratified as we have al- ready stated, in 1801. American patriots might now rejoice in the con- clusion of peace with the two powerful belligerents, and congratulate themselves and the country, at its favorable prospects, the profits of the carrying trade, and the opportunities afforded for the culti- vation of the peaceful arts. But these hopes were short-lived. Intrigues of every kind ensued. The old political struggle of 408 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 47. the party out of power against that in possession, the ambition of Jefferson and his ultra democratic views and French tendencies, his hatred in especial towards the Federalists, were the cause of various dissensions. On the other hand, President Adams was dis- trusted by the Federalists. His was a very diffi- cult position. Coming into power after Washing- ton, whose firmness had obtained for him suc- cess, and almost universal love and respect, but whose seat had been strewed with thorns, Adams was opposed by the Democrats, or Jacobins, and wanted the confidence of his own party. Dr. Warren, in the midst of this constant politi- cal excitement, had, of course, his own private sources of anxiety; how great to a man of his tem- perament, can never be imagined by men of differ- ent mould. It is a worn-out adage, that troubles never corne alone. Has any one ever considered the blessing of this ? The sensitive mind, fixed upon one subject of regret or anxiety, broods over it. It assumes colossal proportions and may lead to insanity, or, if short of that, it unfits him for any active exertion. He sinks into utter hopelessness and despondency. To external view, Dr. Warren's situation was prosperous. He was rising in eminence, as a sur- geon and physician. He had a very large and increasing practice, becoming larger than any man in Boston ever had before, or has had since, accord- ing to the testimony of his son, John C. Warren, who was certainly good authority. He had a large 1800.] TROUBLES ALWAYS GREGARIOUS. 409 and increasing family, a wife who could share all his anxieties, enter into all his views, and bring her strength of mind and cool judgment to his support. But as it is no new saying that a large family brings great cares, so also it must bring great sor- rows. In his twenty -three years of married life, sixteen children had been born. Will it be credited in these days ? Of these, there was one daughter, who did not live to be named ; Thomas Mifflin, who died at seven months old ; a daughter born in 1787, lived only three days. Samuel, named after Dr. Warren's youngest brother, died at nine years old; Thomas, the tenth child, died October, 1790, at about sixteen months old ; George, died in 1793, three years old. Thus, out of sixteen children, seven had died at this time. These repeated losses were very severely felt. Pecuniary matters were a source of trouble. With a large family, in a troubled time, when no property could be considered safe, my father was never free from anxiety, lest his death or illness should leave his family destitute. The two elder sons were now of an age to de- cide upon their professions. Joseph had inclined at first to mercantile pursuits. Afterwards, he went out to Spain with a cargo of fish, in 1800. My father had joined with some merchants of Bos- ton, in loading a vessel. War between England and Spain broke out, they found the Spanish ports closed, and were kept out so long that the fish spoiled, and the cargo was lost. 410 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 47. The eldest son had received his degree at Harv- ard, in 1797. His father wished him to enter mer- cantile life. Knowing well by experience all the struggles, hardships, and anxieties of a physician's life at that period (in these days men take it easier), he was very unwilling that any of his sons should follow his profession. No good situa- tion offered, however, and his son, without any decided taste for the profession, fell into the groove. Very naturally, not liking the confinement of the medicine room where the students sat, only to be varied by visits at the Almshouse, and being un- willing to undergo the drudgery of a quasi appren- ticeship, his three years had not been profitably employed. He had also met with a disappointment, by placing his affections upon a young lady of great personal attractions and accomplishments, but want- ing the means to make an engagement prudent. The parents on both sides interfered, and John C. thought he could not recover his tone of mind, without a visit to Europe. This additional expense came very hard upon my father. He had been induced to indorse for a friend, Dr. Haskell, to the amount of about forty thousand dollars, and had been compelled to pay this debt, taking as the only compensation, three townships in the District of Maine, and a claim to two hundred thousand acres of land in Virginia ; both constant sourees of perplexity and worry to him so long as he lived, and of ruin to some mem- bers of his family after his death. The Virginia 1800.] DOMESTIC CONCERNS. 411 property from neglect, taxes, and squatters, not to say lawsuits, gradually melted away, though a city has since been built on the land. The eastern property went pretty much the same way, the woodlands stripped of their timber by poachers, portions sold to pay taxes, and the whole yielding a trifle, except in anxiety to my father, and an im- mense amount of fruitless labor to his heirs. Dr. Warren therefore could ill spare this out- lay at the present time. He feared that his son should become imbued with Democratic principles, but above all, he feared the corruption of his mor- als, from the influence of the French capital. The condition of his second son was also a sub- ject of great anxiety. He was now in Paris, having lost his outfit, without any professed occupation or means of support. Should he engage as a sea- man, or return home and prepare himself for a mercantile life ? This was the first question trans- mitted to his father, on the arrival of the elder brother in Paris. If he took to the sea, he was liable to capture and impressment by the English, and still worse treatment, if captured by the French in an English ship. In spite of treaties, neither of the bellig- erents regarded the rights of private seamen. Mer- cantile prospects were no better. The elder brother wrote that Joseph would do what he advised, and he consults his father as to the advice he shall give. It resulted in Joseph's return to Boston, being set up in business, and again unfortunate. In the interval that ensued, he 412 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 47. visited the Maine lands, to see what could be done with them. He became interested in a young lady of the place, and after a time returned there, mar- ried the lady, and settled in Palmyra, in the very heart of the woods. At that time, the houses in that place were mostly shanties, built of logs or rough boards of the most primitive construction. The nearest town was thirty miles distant ; there were no roads, and the inhabitants went in by notched lines on the trees, the females never ex- pecting to leave the place. It was, in fact, only such a village as might be formed for the purposes of cutting timber, but too far in the woods and too inaccessible, for any mar- ket for lumber, when cut. It must be agreed, then, that at this time my father had subjects enough for anxiety and trouble. Besides the domestic cares just enumerated, the political horizon was cloudy in the extreme. Wash- ington was dead. The Federal party, upon whom he considered the safety of the nation depended, was approaching its downfall ; Jefferson, the cham- pion and ideal of Democratic principles, was can- didate for the presidency, and the only hope of the party was in the support of Burr, whose ambition they feared, and whose principles they doubted. Jefferson and Burr received an equal number of votes, and the choice devolved upon the House of Representatives. The excitement of the country during the seven days' protracted session of the House, was tremen- dous. Thirty-six ballots were cast. The contest 1780.] ELECTION OF JEFFERSON. 413 ended in favor of Jefferson, and it adds essentially to the high reputation of Alexander Hamilton, for wisdom and foresight, as well as pure motives, that he warned his party against Burr, giving the pref- erence to Jefferson, who had always been his per- sonal rival and opponent. But the election of Jefferson, the well known friend and advocate of France, and of Jacobinical principles (as they were called), and the bitter enemy of England, was a severe blow to the Fed- eral party. A greater darkness was added to the gloom already prevailing. Thus at this time, while my father had lost con- siderable property by indorsing, one son had made a hasty marriage and buried himself in the woods of Maine ; the other son demanding large advances for his expenses in Europe, and exposed to all the dangers of corruption in the French capital, to say nothing of other perils from the unsettled state of that country. Added to this, at home there were troubles and jealousies connected with his profes- sion, as he was impeded and opposed in every step which his eager desire for the improvement of medical knowledge and practice induced him to urge forward. Well might he say at this time, as he did ten years later, " all these things are against me." It was not the custom in those days for physi- cians to take a vacation in summer, as is done now. Merchants, tradesmen, and others, stayed in Boston, dined at two o'clock, and went to their places of business directly after a hasty meal dur- ing the summer months, as much as in winter. 414 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 47. My father, however, purchased a house in Ja- maica Plain, to which he drove out, or was driven with his family in his carriage in the afternoon, whenever leisure permitted. Here he enjoyed his tastes for agricultural and horticultural pursuits, pruning and budding trees, etc. The farm con- sisted of forty-two acres. A large garden of two acres, was stocked with every variety of fruit. He imported trees from Europe, and a French gar- dener was engaged to lay out the garden. The growing trees, an orchard and nursery, af- forded plenty of scope for interest and occupation. Dr. Warren became an active member of the Agri- cultural Society, and devoted much of his leisure to the pursuit. The dwelling-house was a low building, con- structed after the West Indian fashion, of one story in front, with an addition o,f two stories in the rear. A large front door opened directly into a large hall, and it was remarkable that this door with the one opposite, were perfectly plain on the inside, indicating that they were always intended to stand open. Facing you as you entered, was the door at the other end of the hall, leading through a porch into a carriage yard of very ample dimen- sions. There were two large windows in front, fur- nished with blinds of half inch board, leaving spaces half a foot wide between them, allowing free circulation of air, but sufficiently darkening the rooms. Three noble old elms stood upon the road, while within, were Lime trees or Lindens, 1780.] DOMESTIC CONCERNS. 415 and beyond these, two fine rows of horse-chestnuts, giving it sometimes the name of " Chestnut Grove," though the name was never adopted by the heads of the family. On the right side of the hall, were two doors leading to bedrooms, of comfortable dimensions. Opposite to these doors were windows, which were made to shut down upon doors, opening into a good sized piazza, which led into a small garden, adjoining the house. These windows formed, each of them, a good sized door, the lower part of which seemed as if a piece of the panelling, or wainscot, had been cut out and placed on hinges. The hall, evidently, was not meant to be carpeted, for the floor was painted, and in a circle in the centre was the picture of a dog, probably the portrait of a favorite spaniel, admirably executed and life-like. A door on the same side with the porch door, opened into the parlor, beneath which was the cel- lar kitchen, adjoining the cellar. Within this cel- lar, was a deeper one for milk, but being generally half filled with water, was not of much use. On the further side of the parlor, were doors opening upon a most awkwardly arranged break- neck staircase, which led down one way into the kitchen, upwards to the servant's chamber, and across to bedrooms beyond, by a landing-place which needed wary steps to avoid slipping, while the forgetful or unwary, on evading this Charybdis would fall into Scylla, by a bump on the head, brought into contact with the low ceiling. The furniture was plain. A large, deep sofa, 416 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 47. covered with chintz, deep enough to form a comfort- able bed, stretched across from the parlor door to the porch door. A plain, antique sideboard, stood be- tween the two long windows or doors, while a re- spectable supply of prettily painted wooden chairs, stood against the walls. The parlor was furnished with a turkey carpet, high back mahogany chairs, with hair seats, and studded with brass nails ; a breakfast table, and a tall, eight day clock, in the corner. An open fire- place on one side of the room, gave out a cheerful blaze in the cool evenings of spring and fall, while the aspect of the hall gave the idea of luxu- rious ease and comfort in summer, without the slightest article in these rooms, or elsewhere, for show. Here he could come, and for a time forget politi- cal cares, professional rivalries, and domestic trou- bles. Here also any of the family, the children, and in after-days, the grandchildren, were sent to recover when any illness required the benefit of country air; and though the situation was low, the house damp in wet weather, a few weeks residence was regarded as a complete panacea. None of the family, children, or grandchildren, were ever sub- ject to scrofula or consumption. I have given an account of the analysis of the waters of Boston, by M. Feron, published in the " Memoirs of the American Academy." In the sec- ond volume of the " Memoirs" is another essay, pub- lished in 1793, of which some notice may be found interesting. 1801.] WELL WATER OF BOSTON. 417 Since his previous Essay, he has learned that some of the waters or springs in Boston have the faculty of staining substances yellow and black, and have a bad taste. Among these were Mr. Greenleaf 's well near his store in the street lead- ing from Brattle Street to the market ; that of Mr. Joseph Hall's distill house by the Mill Pond ; that of Mrs. Newman in Fore Street. On a careful analysis of the water in Mr. Green- leaf's well, which is given in detail, he found a salt such as is commonly found in pump waters, amounting to twenty-four grains in a gallon, a small quantity of iron dissolved by fixed air, and a little ochre. He found it to possess nearly the same qualities as the waters of Spa and Pyrmont, ex- cept their acidulous taste. It is, he observes, the province of the physician to demonstrate the good effects of this water by trial. Whether Mr. Green- leaf's well owed its properties to some temporary or accidental circumstances, does not appear ; but no useful purpose seems to have been made of it as a mineral water. Had it really possessed the properties of Spa and Pyrmont from a natural spring, its merits would have been blazed forth and proclaimed. The well would have become famous. It is a curious fact, that some physicans have re- cently started the theory that the real qualities of Boston water have been greatly neglected, and that it contains ingredients really conducive to health. The following letter will, I think, be read with much pleasure, even if it excites a smile at the at- 27 418 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 49. tempt at English composition. It shows the amia- ble disposition of the writer. M. FERON'S LETTER. " LILLE, DEPARTMENT DU NORD, } Ce 26 Floreal, An X. " DEAR FRIEND, How long is the times since I desire to hear from you. I did not receive any letters from America since the end of 1796. By that I learn'd you were in good health, hope you continue so and all what is belong to you. You ought to have children married or fit to be. What have you done with your sons ? Have you some one in the medical science ? How many children, and is your dear wife well ? In short, do you en- joy all the blessings I ever wished you ? Pray in- form me with all that, and any things else con- cerning your welfare. " I took the liberty, my dear, to enclose a letter for Bessy Downes, now Mrs. Goward [Howard], as it is almost six years since I hear from her, and she answered not my letters of xber, 1796. I am afraid she may have quitted the town or have changed her abode, so for much safety of her receiving this, I put it under your direction, being persuaded you will take good care of it, and will have the com- plaisance to forward it as soon as possible ; for I am sure she be glad to hear from a good friend. " Inform me what does the Medical Society, and the Academy of Sciences at Cambridge. Have you raised a medical schol? Who are the Pro- fessors ? Do you leave Inoculation, to replace it 1802.] M. FERON'S LETTER. 419 by Vaccine ? What is the success of it ? That operation has been performed here, and where it has succeeded, as it happens at almost every times, it appears to have prevented the small-pox ; for though this last disease is always in this town, there is no observation it has taken one that had a good vaccine. Nevertheless there is practitioner and others who have no confidence in it. But that has always been towards new discovery. In- form me what does the doctors of my acquaint- ance. I have been inform poor Dr. Appleton was dead. It grieve me much. " I am in this town this five years ; professor of medicine to the Military Gospital 1 of instruction. I teach several part of the healing art. I have under my direction the Botanic Garden, and so I will give you soon a request to send me several bushes, trees, and plants, or seeds you Gave in America, and grows not in our country, in ex- change if you have a garden of that kind in Bos- ton, and you desire to have some things that we possess. I will be glad to send it if it is in my power. Lille is only forty-eight miles from Dun- kerque, and sixty from Calais. If any American vessels vere coming in those Garbors, you may let me know it, and send me a list of what you desire. I will endeavor to let you have it. As we are go- ing to be easily in relation to London, I should be glad if you will recommend me to some of your friend in the medical profession to whom I may apply, so as to be able to obtain some exotic plants 1 Dr. Feron uses G for h and H. 420 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 49. or seeds from their botanic garden. I know they are rich in that part of natural history. " Phisic, Surgery, and Chymistry are teach ed in our schols ; there is four hospitals for that purpose in the republic ; but it is said they were to be sup- pressed next years, and a new one only stablish, I don't know where ; but I believe I shall stay here for the sick. I will always have the botanic gar- den. Our profession is not good know in France. There is but few places and we are not pay'd enough. I have had one of the first place, and I am not easy. I have spent a part of what I had during the war, for we have been a time that a month's pay was not sufficient for a breakfast. We hope peace and times will improve our fate. I have but two daughter, one of most thirteen years, and a little one of two and a half years. " Farewell, my dear friend, try to read me if you can, for I am so few used to write the english, I am afraid you will not understand half what I say. I have not written an English letter this six years, but I hope to do it oftener for the future, our communications being more free, and will do it better. Present my respects to your dear wife and compliments to your family, and to those that remember me. I kiss you with all my heart and am forever your best friend, Feron. " Feron Medicin professeur a L'hospital Militaire d'instruction a Lille department du Nord. " I send this via London, for I believe there will be much opportunity for New England, even for Boston." 1802.] YELLOW FEVER IN BOSTON. 421 On the thirtieth of January, 1802, the sixteenth child, William, who was born in 1798, died, after a very short illness of scarlet fever, or of throat dis- temper (Cynanche maligna], which was then pre- vailing in Boston. He was a beautiful, attractive child, whom his mother in after years always said was the most promising of all her children, and whom she never ceased to mourn. The blow made the more lasting impression, because it was so sudden. The image of the child of four years old, in full health and vigor, remained ever fixed in her mind. The town of Boston, as already stated, had long remained free from yellow fever as an epidemic, until the year 1798. It appeared again in 1802, with all the circumstances of its former malignity. Dr. Warren has given in his " Mercurial Practice," a full history of . this invasion of the disease. He was in bad health during the whole period of its prevalence, but this did not interfere with his dili- gent performance of all medical duties. In the epidemic of 1798, he had taken daily minute doses of mercury, which he considered a perfect prophy- lactic, and he states that he was never in better health. CHAPTER XXVL 1802-1812. RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND AND FRANCE. Burr's Duel with Hamilton. Burr's Conspiracy. Total Eclipse in 1806. Austin and Selfridge. Speech against the Embargo. Repeal of the Embargo Act. Elbridge Gerry, Governor. Gerrymander. Election of Caleb Strong. Adjunct Professors in the Medical School. Medical Lectures in Boston. TN 1804, another serious blow fell upon the Fed- " eral party. Aaron Burr, soured and disappoint- ed in his ambitious schemes, very probably reckless of his own life, determined to fix upon Alexander Hamilton a quarrel, which, while it would serve him for an object of vengeance, might remove a successful opponent, though not a rival, from his path. Hamilton, the right hand of Washington, was by far the ablest and wisest of the Federal party, so much so, as to be always given as its exponent. His wisdom and foresight had pointed out the am- bitious and unscrupulous character of Burr, and the greater danger of the election of such a man to the presidency, than that of Jefferson, though the latter was the leader of the Democrats. As the wisest of men are said each to have his pocket full of folly, and as Washington is said to have expended his, in promoting the removal of 1804.] DUELLING. 423 the seat of Government to his native State, so 'Hamilton expended his portion in one great act of folly and weakness, in allowing himself to be badgered into a duel, by a disappointed, unprin- cipled man. The duel took place the llth of June, 1804. It is a curious fact, which I think will not on se- rious reflection be denied, that though fifty or sixty years ago the laws of honor were considered more imperative, and it was held that in certain cases a man must be prepared to defend his honor at the expense of his life, yet a successful duelist was looked upon with more horror, than at present, especially at the North. Human life was consid- ered more sacred ; and a murder or case of man- slaughter was a matter in which the whole com- munity took an intense interest. Now, we notice in every paper the account of a murder or of wounds in an affray, which have become so com- mon we do not stop to read them ; while the most bare-faced deliberate assassin finds his supporters. Duelling has been brought into disrepute of late years, more by being rendered ridiculous by those who have resorted to it, than by any consci- entious motives. It has always been and ever will be regarded in future history, as at the present time, the great blot upon the character of Hamilton, that, against his principles, he allowed himself to be goaded to his death by such a man as Burr. The indignation against the assassin was univer- sal ; but the loss was felt in the greatest degree by the Federal party, for although Hamilton had 424 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 53. retired from public life on the death of Washing- ton, yet he continued to take an active part, and* his influence was all the greater that he sought nothing for himself. How strongly my father sympathized in those feelings of sorrow and indig- nation, I need not stop to describe. On December 19th, 1804, the youngest child was born, the 17th according to the family record, but counting two still-born or premature births, as did my mother, made it the 19th. In 1806 there was a total eclipse of the sun, in which the darkness was more entire than in either of those which has occurred since. The family went up upon the flat roof on the ell of the house. My father took his youngest child, then two years old, in his arms, saying, " all dark," and the child repeated the words, " all dark," putting out his hands in imitation of his father. On the roof with the family was Mr. Gilpin, a gentleman from Newport, upon whose son's eyes Dr. Warren had operated for cataract with perfect success. On a visit to the family twenty years after, Mr. Gilpin saw the young man whom he had met on the roof as an infant in 1806, and his first ques- tion was, " Pray sir, do you remember the total eclipse?" The answer was that it was perfectly fixed and clear in his mind. Dr. Warren had un- doubtedly intended this as an experiment upon the possibility of fixing a particular circumstance in the memory at a very early age, and by fre- quently bringing it to the child's memory, by en- acting the scene, and comparing it with the dark day of May 10, 1780. Mr. Gilpin was desirous of 1806.] BURR'S CONSPIRACY. 425 knowing how far the experiment had succeeded. This eclipse, I think, must have been as complete as that of April 22d, 1715, when the darkness was so entire that the stars shone, and the birds went to roost at noon. The year 1806 was also made memorable by the mysterious undertakings or conspiracy of Burr. Historians have been puzzled as to what his de- signs really were ; but as he communicated them in a moment of confidence to a friend, they were sufficiently vast. He explained to him, " a project for revolutionizing the Western country, separat- ing it from the Union, and establishing a mon- archy, of which he was to be the sovereign ; New Orleans to be his capitol, and his dominion to be further extended by a force organized on the Mis- sissippi, so as to include a part or the whole of Mexico." It was said that Ohio, Indiana, Ken- tucky, Tennessee, and the territory of Orleans, had combined to declare themselves independent on the 15th of November. Here, then, was an instance of a design to se- cede, formed many years earlier than that falsely charged upon the Federalists by their adversaries, in the War of 1812. Burr's enterprise was con- ducted upon a large scale, and carried into overt acts ; but his plans were betrayed or discovered, and he was brought to trial, not, however, before the government had incurred great expense, and made powerful efforts for suppressing the conspir- acy. Burr was brought to trial, but the Federal- ists, unwilling that the Democratic government 426 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 54. should make too much capital of the successful sup- pression of a powerful insurrection, were disposed to make as light as possible of the whole affair. The trial resulted in his acquittal ; but he was ignored by both parties, and suffered probably the severest punishment such a man could feel, in be- ing allowed to draw out the remainder of his life in insignificance and contempt, with the mark of Cain upon his brow. His only solace was the love of an accomplished daughter who lived at a great distance, and who was lost at sea ; forced, it is said, to a cruel death by pirates. Aaron Burr was to he seen in New York where he was living about the year 1828, a * miserable, disappointed man, re- spected by no one, but pointed out to all strangers as the person who killed Alexander Hamilton. It is by this act that he is chiefly remembered, rather than by the famous , struggle for the presi- dency, or for his ambitious enterprise against Mex- ico, or whatever else he had in view. After His acquittal, Burr had gone to England, hoping to obtain aid there for his project against Mexico. But he entirely failed, was regarded as a French spy, and ordered out of the country under the Alien Law. He went to France, but Bonaparte regarded him as an English spy, and he was long detained in Paris ; at times in the deepest poverty, He died in 1836 at the age of eighty. Amid these times of great political excitement occurred the shooting of Austin, which for many years after formed a subject of excited discussion. A full account of the affair is given in the first vol- 1807.] AUSTIN AND SELFRIDGE. 427 ume of the " Life of John C. Warren." 1 Austin's father was the editor of the " Chronicle," a Demo- cratic paper of which I have already spoken. " It was," says J. C. Warren, " the vehicle of abuse and denunciation." Thomas C. Selfridge, a talented lawyer, in return denounced Austin severely. Austin's son took up the quarrel and threatened publicly to chastise the obnoxious writer. They met in State Street at noon. Austin, armed with a good sized club, struck his opponent upon the head. Selfridge drew a pistol and shot Austin dead. Dr. Warren and his son were called rn to attend and give evidence in the case of Selfridge. The former was prevented by illness from appear- ing in court. The latter appeared in his defense, and he was acquitted. Dr. Warren was subse- quently called upon for his certificate, which he gave as follows : "BOSTON, January 15, 1807. " Having been called on the 2d of August last to visit T. C. Selfridge, Esq., on account of a blow received upon his head, and my testimony being now required in consequence of my having been by sickness prevented attending at court at the time of trial, I do hereby declare that I found a contusion on the left side of the said Selfridge's fore- head, to the best of my judgment about three inches long, and one and a half or two inches wide, the integuments being swelled to the thickness of about three quarters of an inch ; and that the force 1 Life of John C. Warren, vol. i., p. 65. 428 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Acs 54. of the blow appeared to have been such as might have been followed by fatal consequences. " JOHN WARREN." Difficulties with England did not cease. In 1807 the ship Chesapeake was brought to by the English squadron, fired into, three men killed, and three men taken as deserters; an act which ex- cited universal indignation throughout the country. Eemonstrances were made to the English govern- ment, the act disavowed, and compensation agreed upon. The men were returned, with the excep- tion of one who had confessed himself an English- man and deserter, and was hung. In addition to this amend it was imprudently insisted upon by our government that the visitation of American vessels in search of British subjects should be given up. This demand was the occasion of a proclamation by the English government, authorizing all com- manders of foreign ships to seize all British mar- iners found on board foreign vessels. Hence all bitter feelings were aggravated on both sides. On the other hand, France had pronounced that all merchandise derived from England or her colo- nies, by whomsoever owned, was liable to seizure, even on board neutral vessels. The cargo of the American ship Horizon, which had been stranded on the French coast, was declared confiscated by the French Council of Prizes, and a large amount of American property which had already been cap- tured from time to time, was also confiscated. 1807.] SPEECH AGAINST THE EMBARGO. 429 England, by orders in council, November llth, prohibited any trade with France or her allies, unless through Great Britain ; an order aimed es- pecially at America, which was now the only neu- tral. On the receipt of the news, President Jefferson sent a message to both houses recommending an inhibition of the departure of all vessels from the ports of the United States. The Senate, after four hours' session with closed doors, passed the Em- bargo Act. After two or three days' deliberation, it was passed by the House, and signed by, the President, December twenty-second. The despatches from France had been made the occasion of the passage of the Embargo Act, so that though it was principally aimed at England, it seemed intended against France ; the government thus desiring to disguise their hostility to the for- mer country. As soon as the pressure of this act and certain supplementary acts was felt by the people, they complained bitterly of its impolicy. A meeting to strengthen the administration was held in Boston, July 10th, over which Elbridge Gerry presided. A second meeting was held July 16th, at which John Quincy Adams, H. G. Otis, Christopher Gore, T. H. Perkins, John Warren, and other distinguished cit- izens were present. Dr. Warren spoke as follows : SPEECH AGAINST THE EMBARGO ACT. " There are two reasons which operate upon my mind, Mr. Moderator, for addressing the Legisla- 430 LIFE OF DK. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 54. ture, as is proposed in the warrant for this meet- ing. " The one is, that it appears to me that no argu- ments have been produced to prove the embargo necessary. The other is, that I consider the exe- cution of the proposed laws for enforcing it utterly impracticable. " I believe, sir, that the embargo is unnecessary, because I know of no existing circumstances in our foreign relations to justify it. It has been argued that it is the only substitute for war. War with whom ? Is it a substitute for war with France ? Why, Mr. Moderator, so far as respects the ocean, which is the only field on which she is capable in any degree of waging war with us, is she not at war with us already ? Is not France, sir, at this moment, has she not for some time previous to our embargo, been waging war with our com- merce ? Has she not sunk, burnt, and destroyed our ships which she has met with at sea, in all in- stances except when she has found it more con- venient to carry them into port and condemn them, or hold them in durance for adjudication, as a threat or a means of forcing us into a war with Great Britain ? It is true, sir, France has not de- clared war against us, and she has two reasons for it. One is, tha*t she is deriving all the advantages which she could expect from an open war with us, and the other is, that by avoiding a declaration, she expects to, induce our administration to keep on the embargo with respect to Great Britain, which she highly approves of, and which you know 1807.J SPEECH ON THE EMBARGO ACT. 431 would immediately be raised in case of a war be- tween the United States and France. Perhaps, Mr. Moderator, it may be said this embargo so pleasing to the Emperor is the very price which we are paying for the present peace, if it may be called so, which we are enjoying with that power. This may be the case, sir, but if it is, it is a most unprofitable bargain on our side, for it subjects us to greater evils than it inflicts on Great Britain, without any equivalent from France. " Is the embargo a substitute for war with Great Britain, or in other words, if the embargo was raised, would a war with Great Britain be inevi- table ? " I cannot believe, Mr. Moderator, that Great Britain would be less amicably disposed towards the United States for repealing an act which has been so much applauded by her enemy the Empe- ror, and which she thinks has been intended as an act of hostility towards her. But it may be said, we must either go to war with her, or submit to the Orders of Council. Sir, it appears to me ab- surd, to suppose that we could be at war with France and Great Britain at the same time ; and it is certain that Great Britain has made such ef- forts at an amicable adjustment of her differences with this country, as evince a wish to be at peace with us. "France has demanded that we declare war with Great Britain ; and if instead of doing it we raise the embargo, and she should declare war against us, the Orders of Council must be repealed, 432 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 54. even upon the very principle upon which they were founded. " My other reason for advocating an address to the legislature is, that I consider the embargo law as impracticable. " It is impracticable, sir, because some of the provisions are, according to the sentiments of a great number of the people, unconstitutional. It is considered as violating the right of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property ; depriving the citizen of those useful occupations and emolu- ments, and placing his property under the control of the tools of government with a power of with- holding it from the hands of the owner. " It confides the life, liberty, and property of the citizen to the unrestrained discretion of an officer of the government, under secret instructions from the President, instead of standing laws. It is con- sidered as subjecting to heavy and unreasonable fines and penalties, persons suspected of an inten- tion to violate the law, without affording legal remedy for injuries sustained by unfounded sus- picions. " It is considered as rendering the civil subordi- nate to the military authority, by the power it gives of enforcing the act by military authority at the command of the collector. " It is considered as endangering the liberties of the people by employing standing forces at times of peace, to coerce the citizens in the execution of the act. " These impressions, Mr. Moderator, are found 1809.] REPEAL OF THE EMBARGO ACT. 433 operating on a great proportion of the citizens, at least of the commercial part of the community ; and whilst these impressions exist> it will be ut- terly impracticable to enforce the embargo with- out bloodshed ; nor even then against the general sense of the people." It has been regarded as a matter worthy of pride, that the Embargo Act being regarded in New England as unconstitutional, no ships brought in under it could be condemned. Other acts were passed to enforce it, which increased the odium, and the opposition was so great that it was re- pealed in February, 1809. Mr. Gore, the Federal candidate, was elected Governor this year ; but the efforts of the party relaxing as usual with them and their successors, as soon as the evil to be suppressed is overcome, the Democratic candidate, Mr. Elbridge Gerry, was elected the following year, April, 1810. An arrangement was made with England and approved by President Madison, but subsequently repudiated by the English government, so that the grievances continued as a fertile source of ill-feel- ing until they finally matured into the War of 1812. Mr. Gerry's reign is commemorated by the in- troduction of a system of districting the State in such a manner as to give the greatest number of representatives possible to the Democratic side; a scheme that met with abundant ridicule in the Federal papers, which gave a print of a huge mon- 28 434 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [Act 57. ster designated the " Gerrymander," upon which were represented the different localities, occupying head, legs, body, etc. I recollect more vividly than the scenes of yes- terday, my father's strong feeling as he pointed out to me the monster portrayed in the " Centinel " or the " Palladium," and the difficulty I had in com- prehending what this detestable dragon was to do in the nation, whether it was to eat up all the Fed- eralists ? He took all the papers, or they were sent to him, the " Centinel," the " Palladium," the " Advertiser, 3 ' the " Chronicle " and the " Patriot," both of which I was taught to consider horrible and atrocious. The " Chronicle " was decorated at this time with a ship of war bearing flags flying with the inscription, " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." I thought it much the prettiest picture. Elbridge Gerry was the devoted partisan of Madison, and as such his measures were looked upon by Dr. Warren as utterly destructive to the country, as bringing on a war with the most pow- erful nation of Europe, and tending to promote anarchy and the downfall of the Federal govern- ment at home. If we look back with impartial eyes upon the condition of things at that period, drawing conclu- sions from the history of past nations ; what else but disaster could have been predicted ? The Re- public, a cluster of independent States, not united long enough to have their union rendered stable ; the States having entirely different interests from each other the seaboard from the agricultural 1810.] . DANGERS TO LIBERTY 435 the bitter hostility between the two parties, the ex- ample and influence of France, the spread of the principles of Tom Paine, what else could have been expected than the fate which had already overtaken, and that which awaited France, uni- versal anarchy, succeeded by a military despotism ? We can only say, such a fate was averted by the beneficent designs of Providence. But so long as the best educated and most in- fluential part of a community are not entirely sunk in selfish devotion to the pleasures of the senses, so long as they are not given up body and soul to the enjoyments of the elegant refinements of wealth, and the luxuries of high living, the advent of real danger will bring forward those who care nothing for the rewards or the honors of office, and are ready to devote their capacities and means to the public service, seeking to promote it by the purest measures. Vox Populi may be Vox Dei ; but it must be the voice of the whole people, the voice and vote of every man legally authorized to vote ; not merely of those whom lust of office and selfish hope of gain stimulates to come forward. The measures of Gerry aroused the people of Massachusetts, and the election in 1812 resulted to Dr. Warren's great satisfaction in the choice of Caleb Strong, the Federal candidate. Mr. Strong is said to have been a man " of clear, vigorous -un- derstanding, and an excellent judgment, an accom- plished scholar, jurist, and statesman." He distin- guished himself by his wisdom, uprightness, pa- LIFE -OF DR. JOHN WARREN. .[AGE 57. triotism, and fidelity, and was equally eminent in private life for his social virtues, benevolence, and piety. He was reflected to office so long as he was willing to remain. An account of the establishment of the medical school has already been given. There were great difficulties to contend with. Besides the difficulty of obtaining subjects for dis- section, was the remoteness of the situation in which the lectures were delivered. Two of the professors were young men, resident in Boston, and their salaries were not sufficient to support them in Cambridge. They depended principally upon their professional practice for support. The lectures were delivered in winter, apd as there was then, no bridge, the only access to .the Colleges was by a circuitous route of eight miles, through Roxbury and Brookline, or over Charlestown Ferry, by a passage frequently rendered long and tedious by obstructions from ice and other matters, which sometimes retarded for hours their arrival at the college. Their duties were performed at great hazard to their health, and considerable sac- rifice of private business. The first medical de- grees were conferred in 1783, in accordance with the regulations adopted, which were nearly the same as those in Philadelphia. Forty-eight young men were graduated as Bach- elors of Medicine in 1810. .A valuable library, con- taining many rare and valuable books, with costly plates, was given by Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., who also obtained for the college a handsome col- 1810.] PROGRESS OF THE MEDICAL SCHOOL. 437 lection of anatomical preparations. General Derby, Mr. Erving, and others made large appropriations for the support of the school. On the 2 7th. of April, 1808, Dr. Warren re- quested the corporation and oveerseers to elect an adjunct professor ; and Dr. John C. Warren was accordingly elected and inducted into office, in the same manner and with the same duties as the principal professor. Dr. John Gorham was ap- pointed Adjunct Professor of Chemistry and Ma- teria Medica. The great inconveniences and disadvantages un- der which the Medical School labored, and the want of clinical instruction, led to the presentation of a memorial to the corporation requesting the exten- sion of the lectures to Boston. This w|is signed and urged by the professors resident in Boston, but was strongly opposed by the one resident in Cambridge. Application was also made to the Overseers of the Poor for liberty to use the Hospital depart- ment of the Almshouse for clinical visits and lec- tures ; but this for the time was refused. On the 13th of April, 1810, a vote was passed and confirmed by the corporation and overseers, deciding that the Professors of Anatomy and Sur- gery, and Professors of Chemistry might annually deliver in Boston full courses of lectures to medi- cal students, who should have the same privileges as if they had attended at Cambridge. The Massachusetts Medical Society approved the arguments in favor of delivering the lectures in 438 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 57. the town of Boston, and passed a vote approving the course of those professors who had already lectured the preceding winter in Boston, and of encouragement and approbation of a continuance of the courses in future. On the 26th of July, 1810, Dr. James Jackson was elected Professor of Clinical Medicine, and permission was obtained July 25th, for clinical instruction at the Alms- house, the professors agreeing to take charge of the sick without salary. A convenient and spacious theatre with the necessary apartments, was erected by the anatomi- cal professors, and the lectures opened on the first day of December, 1810, at No. 14 Marlborough Street, under the same roof with the hall and library of the Massachusetts Medical Society. The profess- ors soon found means for the erection of a building in Mason 'Street, specially devoted to all branches of the lectures. Dr. Warren did not live to see this completed and occupied. The exterior was finished, and the workmen were upon the interior theatre and lecture-rooms when he died, in 1815. The an- atomical and morbid preparations which had for- merly at times adorned his windows in School Street, formed the nucleus of a valuable collection o,f morbid anatomy, which filled one of the rooms in the college in Mason Street, and afterwards became the foundation of the WARREN MUSEUM in the new medical college in North Grove Street, now contain- ing three thousand six hundred and eighty -six speci- mens, of which a catalogue has been prepared and printed by Dr. J. B. S. Jackson. 1810.] PROGRESS OF THE MEDICAL SCHOOL. 439 Lectures were delivered for a number of years in this building, until the erection of the one just referred to in North Grove Street. The plan of study and the requisites for graduation were con- tinued the same until the year 1871, when a radi- cal change was instituted, constituting a very strict course of study and a series of very partic- ular examinations. 1 1 Taken from a history of the institution, prepared by Dr. John Warren. CHAPTER XXVII. 1810-1812. RELIGIOUS VIEWS. Death of Rev. J. S. Buckminster. Bishop Cheverus. Instance of Impulsiveness. Almost a Duel. A Medical Incident. A Ro- mance. Spontaneous Generation. Perpetual Motion. Tuesday, June llth, 1812, died Rev. J. S. Buckminster. He was Dr. Warren's pastor and intimate friend, a member of his club, and bound by the tie of physician and patient, which in those days was a very strong one. It need not be said that his death was a cause of the greatest sorrow to my father, both for his own loss and that of the community. There was no man more esteemed by him personally, and I well remember how much he admired his preaching. In fact, no one who ever heard Mr. Buckminster, can forget the influence of his persuasive smile, if they did the convincing eloquence of his words. One sermon my father was particularly pleased with. According to his account, it held the con- gregation in rapt attention more remarkable than usual. It was on the value of time, a subject deeply felt by Dr. Warren. I have never seen this sermon in print. Looking at the clock opposite, he noted the passage of the minute hand and the 1811-1 DEATH OF MR. BUCKMINSTER. 441 lapse of minutes. " And now," he said, " another five minutes has gone forever " and so he went on. Dr. Warren's favorite hymn was the one be- ginning : " God of eternity ! From thee Did infant time its being draw. Moments and days, and months and years, Revolve by thine unvaried law." It is well known that at the time of Mr. Buck- minster's ordination, the Unitarian controversy had not begun. The churches of Boston and vicin- ity had undergone a gradual change ; their views had become liberalized, and the old doctrines of fu- ture and everlasting punishment, election, original sin, etc., had gradually dropped out of their faith, without their knowing it. I suppose that a majority of those who belonged to the society at the time of Mr. Buckminster's re- tirement believed, or thought they believed, in the Trinity, the Atonement, and other Calvinistic doc- trines, as long as they lived. Mr. Buckminster had worked out his faith in opposition to his feelings. Though desirous on his father's account to hold doctrines considered orthodox, his convictions did not permit him to do so ; but without disguising his sentiments, he did not feel called upon to dis- turb the faith of his parishioners ; being contented to give his views when called upon ; and these views being actually in a transition state, his efforts were to lead men to virtue and holiness, without dwelling upon disputed points of doctrine. These he did not consider of importance, except as far as 442 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. they led to the great end the promotion of Chris- tian excellence. " I conceive it to be my first duty," he says, " to recommend holiness by motives which I could honestly urge, and leave my opinions on disputed points to the private inquiries of my hearers." Judge Thacher says of Mr. Buckminster, " I cannot attempt to describe the wonder and delight with which his first sermons were listened to by all classes of hearers. The most refined and the most cultivated equally hung upon him. The at- tention of the thoughtless was fixed. The gayety of youth was composed to seriousness. The ma- ture, the aged, the -most vigorous and enlarged minds were at once charmed, instructed, and im- proved." The deepest sorrow for the loss of Mr. Buckmin- ster was universally felt. His death was signalled by the tolling of all the bells. Brattle Street Church was draped in black, and badges of mourn- ing were worn by the congregation. Mr. Buckminster was a member of my father's club, which met regularly at each other's houses for social purposes. Their entertainment was very simple. A table was set before their arrival with nuts, raisins, figs, etc. Wine was not forbidden, and a china pitcher of hot punch did its duty. My mother prided herself upon her punch, into which she put a few leaves of green tea, and it was greatly approved by those who tasted it. They were, however, all perfectly temperate men. They approved of the use of wine for social pur- 1811.] RELIGIOUS VIEWS. 443 poses, but they did not 'abuse it. J do not think that there was as much drunkenness in those days as at a subsequent period, perhaps twenty or thirty years later. There was not the same need of re- form. Perhaps I may introduce, in this connection, my father's religious views, if -they have not already sufficiently appeared. He loved the Scriptures, and if he in anywise doubted their verbal inspiration, he did not think it necessary to express it. He re- ceived them as the word of God. In the Old Tes- tament and the history of Jacob and his family, he particularly delighted almost identifying himself with that patriarch. Yet I know that he investi- gated the writings of different sectarians, and formed his convictions upon study and research. He read family prayers in the morning, using the " Book of Common Prayer," and had a reading of the Bible after church upon Sunday afternoon. The members of the family were questioned as to the text. The rigid observance of the Sabbath was en- forced, and yet I do not recollect it as at all a dull day. He was more with his family, and his genial disposition made the day pass pleasantly. Every member of the family went to church twice a day ; attendance, however, was not com- pulsory. I recollect that one afternoon I took a fancy to stay at home. My father mildly urged me to go with him, and continued his endeavors to persuade me. I did not yield at the time ; but ever after, I went to both services of my own ac- cord. 444 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. My mother, educated a* Quaker, left that society by marrying out of the church, though she always retained a respect for its members. She joined with my father in respect and love for the Scrip- tures, but she did not think it necessary to give her allegiance to any sectarian doctrines. A let- ter to Mr. Buckminster describes her views. It shows how much she had reflected upon the sub- ject, and also the- teaching which she gave her children. It may be stated that whenever she heard Calvinistic, Trinitarian, or other sectarian views argued against, she always took their side, endeavoring to argue from their point of view. " I am fearful I gave you an impression of my sentiments yesterday which I did not mean to con- vey ; but my mind was full and embarrassed, and my feelings too much alive to express myself as I wished. I merely meant to say I have some doubts, which it is probable might occur to any reflective mind, upon a subject upon which it has had little opportunity of being enlightened, and the less perhaps from a fear of communicating them. " But be assured the influence of these doubts have not extended to my children. They have a full and perfect belief in the "Christian religion and its divine origin, and I have never doubted its be- ing the most pure and perfect system of morality that ever was framed for man, and have endeav- ored so far as the imperfection of human nature would admit, to conform my life to its precepts. isii-1 MRS. WARREN'S LETTER TO MR. BUCKMINSTER. 445 " Your time, I know, is much occupied, but when you have an hour unappropriated, if you will do me the favor to call, you will find that at least I have a mind open to conviction, if my opinions do not exactly accord with yours." Mrs. Warren was a great reader, but she used to say that the only book of any real value was the Bible ; all other books might be dispensed with without loss. Neither of them became mem- bers of the church. My father in a conversation upon the subject with his eldest daughter, ex- pressed his anxiety upon this subject, and regretted that his constant engagements and liability to in- terruption, prevented absolutely his regular attend- ance upon the ordinance, and he thought it best not to become a member, as unless his attendance could be regular, the effect of his example might be evil. Communion was held in Brattle Church as it is now in most of the Boston churches, di- rectly after the morning service, on the first Sun- day of every month. In the afternoon he was free, and with very few exceptions was always in his seat at the foot of his pew. This pew was in the middle of the side aisle facing the side door of the church, which was afterwards built up, when the portico was taken off by order of Mr. Quincy, then Mayor, to widen Brattle Street. Occasionally Cuff's black head was popped in at this door when there was some call which could not be postponed. In general, however, Cuff attended church, and sat in a rough upper gallery opposite the pulpit and 446 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AcE 58. close to the ceiling, where he must have had sharp ears if he heard the minister. Such was the pro- vision made in those days for black servants. Mrs. Warren attended the morning service with the same constancy, when the rapid increase of her family permitted. Notwithstanding, however, my father's strict views as to the observance of the Sabbath, Sunday was never regarded as a gloomy day by the family. It was looked forward to as a day of cheerful re- laxation and rest. Next, I think, in estimation to Mr. Buckminster, in my father's mind, was the Catholic Bishop, Chev- erus. He always spoke of him in the highest terms, and they were naturally brought much to- gether in their separate vocations. A note from Bishop Cheverus will show some- what the nature of their connection. "BOSTON, June 8, 1807. " HONORED SIR, I take the liberty to send to you the bearer of this, , a shoemaker by trade. He has been addicted to drunkenness for these sev- eral years past, and was often frantic when in liquor. " He is now sober, but appears to be disordered in his mind, sees phantoms, etc., and has disturbed for two nights the people where he lives. He promises me he will follow your advice, and is able to pay for medicines, etc. I have at times pre- vailed upon him to keep sober, but never for a long period. leu.] A BIOGRAPHER'S DUTY. 447 " As he stutters very much, I have thought it* necessary to give you this short account of him. "With the greatest respect, I remain, honored sir, your most obedient humble servant, "JoHN CHEVERUS." It is said the best of men have their errors. There is little use in biography if it is to consist altogether of eulogium. If the writer, because a near relative, is to be debarred from all expres- sion of opinion, from exhibiting lofty traits of char- acter from fear of partiality, or from alluding to errors from fear of violating the duties of relation- ship, he is reduced to giving the mere model of a man without his individuality. The biographer should divest himself as far as possible of the ties of kindred, and contemplate his hero from the same points of view as a stran- ger, displaying only the natural interest and warmth which every writer must feel in the ob- ject of his narrative, and without which it must be cold and insipid. Some novelists and some bi- ographers have chosen models which seem to be set up for them to pelt with mud and censure. Their narratives, written with an apparent feeling of dislike and disgust towards their hero, are either cold and uninteresting, or disagreeable and repul- sive. I have said that my father was exceedingly im- pulsive. He has often been said to be a self formed man. In some sense this was true, but, like other men, he was formed by circumstances. 448 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WAEREN. [AGE 58. From an early period he was drawn out of him- self, as it were. The early death of his father, al- most under his own eye, gave his mind a serious turn, and threw upon him the necessity of exer- tion for support; while at a later period, his mother's bereavement in the loss of her eldest son, on the 17th of June, 1775, called out the warmth of his feelings and his energies. On his entrance into college, the love he ac- quired for anatomy led him forward. The realities of life were early felt by him. He was obliged to exert himself for his support in college, and during his medical studies. Through all this course he was drawn out of himself by other interests. His early attachment also and early marriage, the rapidly increasing demands upon his affections, and exertions resulting from it, had a similar effect. Next to firm principles of action early instilled, and become instinctive, he was guided by his af- fections. On the 17th of June, 1775, all the strongest feelings of his soul were roused into action ; and I may say that from that day to the day of his death, there was an incessant demand upon his sympa- thies and his exertions. He had no time, if he had possessed the disposition for self concentration. Circumstances never permitted him to sink into an impassive state, or to form fixed rules of action. It is said that his most prominent characteristic was disinterestedness, entire forgetfulness of self. Feeling the sufferings of others even more keenly than they did themselves, he entirely forgot his own peril or suffering. 1811 -1 LOVE OF JUSTICE. 449 Connected with this trait was a stern love of justice. He would not from fear of wounding his own sensibility withhold the knife or the caustic when surgical necessity required, nor would he shield the criminal from deserved punishment, be- cause it affected himself. I think that like the elder Brutus, he could have sat in judgment upon one of his sons, had the life of the nation depended upon it. His own life he was always ready to sac- rifice for his country. He was keenly alive to any sense of injustice done to others or even to himself, and was some- times impulsive in resenting it. He was one day riding in a chaise with my mother in Roxbury, when a truckman drove carelessly against his ve- hicle. He remonstrated. The truckman replied in- solently, and my father descended at once to chas- tise him without considering for a moment the comparative difference in strength, or in the weight of his own whip compared with that of his adver- sary. It is needless to say that he had very much the worst of it. He owned as part of his paternal estate, a piece of land on Walk Hill. This land was not fenced in, and its boundaries were not settled. A Dr. claimed a portion of this land, which Dr. Warren considered as belonging to him. This gentleman was bitterly opposed to my father in politics and in medical affairs. He was one of the projectors of a rival college of physicians. I heard an old man describe an interview between the two upon the land, which he witnessed. When 29 450 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. the discussion grew warm, the said Dr. drew a knife, and threatened to stab Dr. Warren. His interference broke off the interview for the time. I cannot tell whether this brought matters to a crisis at once, or whether there were any farther interviews. It must be recollected that there was hardly a period of my father's life from 1783 to 1815, when the country was not in a somewhat disturbed state. The state of chaos of 1783 has been fully described. 1 In such times, when the force of law is .weak, individuals must be gov- erned by the laws of self-preservation. My father was, or had been an army officer. He was unwilling to suffer from the annoyance and anxiety of going about prepared for an assault. have already said he never kept weapons on hand, fearing the accidents to others which we joiow constantly occur, and of which he. had seen so many. His proceeding was singularly naive and straight- forward. Meeting his son at the lecture at Cam- bridge, he asked him if he had retained an elegant pair of duelling pistols, doubtless of the first qual- ity, which he had received as a present in France, telling him that he might have occasion for their use. Thus provided, he sent out his eldest pupil, Mr. M., to Dr. , with a verbal challenge. He him- self followed in his sulky with the pistols. Driv- ing fast as usual, and probably more than usually absorbed in thought, the sulky was overturned, and the pistols as well as himself thrown out into the road to the great admiration of the crowd 1 Page 272. 1811.] ALMOST A DUEL. 451 which speedily collected. His vehicle was soon set to rights, and he drove speedily on to the in- terview. In the mean time Mr. M. had proceeded to the place, and found Dr. superintending or work- ing in a field, with some laborers at a little dis- tance. He explained his business, and the Doc- tor entered into earnest conversation, during which he gradually receded towards the laborers. M. suspecting his object, shifted his ground, and eluded all attempts of the other to draw him towards his men. Finding it impossible to get the ambassa- dor committed before witnesses, the Doctor gave a decided refusal to the challenge. This seems to have been the final result of the controversy. The boundaries of the land were not settled, nor do I think they ever have been ; but at that pe- riod a man who had declined a hostile encounter, was not likely to pursue any open course that would draw attention to the subject. A vast difference existed fifty or sixty years ago from that which now prevails in the nation. Dr. Warren was utterly opposed to the practice of duelling ; but there were few persons then, per- haps even now, of high standing in society, who would not reserve to themselves the right of self- defence, and allow that circumstances might occur which would justify them in the attempt to rid themselves of a troublesome opponent by testing his courage, when the law had proved insufficient to protect him. A successful duellist incurred more fcdium in 452 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. those days, because human life was held more sa- cred, and murders were not so common. Duelling has been checked more by its having been ren- dered ridiculous. A censor of the times might say that there was less sense of honor than formerly ; that men, particularly in Congress, receive and take quietly, what would formerly have been con- sidered deadly insults. The promptitude with which my father followed up his measures, was not likely to encourage a timid adversary. It might even appall a practised duellist. It is highly probable Dr. Warren antici- pated the result, and had little fear of serious con- sequences, for those who draw knives upon un- armed opponents are seldom possessed of that cool determination which is not taken aback by unex- pected promptitude in the adversary. There are few city physicians in large practice and of large experience who have not met with incidents in private family history which would afford ample materials for romance. It is probable, however, that cases of the kind about to be related were more common fifty or seventy-five years ago than now, because the multitude of unprincipled quacks, male and female, are much greater than formerly, and means are constantly resorted to, it is to be feared, either to prevent a troublesome in- crease of family, or to avoid the exposure of shame. I have heard a singular story from Dr. J. C. Warren : " One very stormy evening there was a loud ring at the door, and a young gentleman was intro- 1811.] A MEDICAL INCIDENT. duced, evidently in a very perturbed state of mind. He announced himself as a physician, and begged Dr. Warren's assistance in a case of great urgency. Dr. Warren immediately followed him, and entered a carriage which was waiting at the door, and they were rapidly driven off. It was too dark to see what part of the town they were driven to ; but on arriving at their destination he entered a house in which he found ample indications of wealth and luxury. He was ushered into a bed-chamber where everything equally showed marks of elegance and abundant means. " The young physician in the mean time had in- formed Dr. W. that he had attempted to perform a certain illegal operation, but in doing it had lost his instrument, and all attempts to find and with- draw it had proved vain. " The face of the patient of course was not visible, but Dr. Warren examined, found the instrument without much difficulty, and withdrew it. The young medical attendant was greatly relieved, and accompanied the Doctor home in his carriage, leav- ing him at the door with many expressions of thanks." Dr. Warren expected to receive in a day or two some more substantial testimony of gratitude, in the shape of a good large fee ; but he never heard again from the patient, nor, at least, in regard to this subject, from the attendant physician. The following story sounds too much like ro- mance to be readily credible, yet it is perfect truth, and similar occurrences were not rare : 454 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. A young lady of great beauty and personal at- tractions, came from a neighboring town or State, where she was engaged to a young lawyer whose prospects were of the most promising character, to stay for a time with her cousin in Boston, very probably for the acquisition of those accomplish- ments which only a large city could furnish. Her cousin's family were quite wealthy. My father was their family physician. After her return home, a letter came to him from the lover, written with great eloquence and pathos. It stated that mali- cious reports, unfavorable to the reputation of the lady in question, had arisen in his neighborhood. He expresses most intense indignation against the baseness of her slanderers, and implicit confi- dence in the excellence and truth of his fiancee, whom he describes in glowing colors. He entreats her physician to furnish him the means of refuting these base falsehoods. What answer my father made, I cannot say, but he was unable to give the assurances demanded. At twelve o'clock at night, a lady, the cousin of the one in question, brought to Dr. Warren's office a new born female infant. He was ready to re- ceive it ; a suitable nurse was already provided. Soon after it was placed under the care of my father's agent, in the District of Maine, who had charge of his lands there ; the expense of its sup- port being paid through my father, as long as he lived, by the uncle of the lady in whose family she had resided. After my father's death, this resource seems to have failed, and the sin of the parents was visited 1811.J A ROMANCE. 455 upon the child. Her adopted father and mother, who had given her their name, finding payments cease, treated her harshly, and the putative parent, in his old age, was applied to for assistance, which he granted, without, however, acknowledging the claim or the relationship, simply stating that the interest he had taken in the affair was owing to his regard to a departed friend. The object of this interest developed into a very respectable young woman, married a thriving mechanic or farmer, and at this time, if living, most probably is an elderly grandmother. After the lady's recovery, she went into retire- ment in the country. Her lover, awakened from his dream, in due. time became engaged again, made a fortunate marriage, and rose to distinction in his profession. His letter, alluded to above, is a per- fect model of what such a letter should be, evin- cing great ability as well as honorable feeling. In this instance poetical justice was dealt out to all concerned ; and could the secrets of the human heart be oftener made manifest, it would be found that seldom does punishment fail to follow, though late, the antecedent fault. In years gone by, cases similar to the above were not infrequent to prominent physicians. Dr. John C. Warren stated that they were almost of daily oc- currence. The family physician lent his assistance partly from friendship and to prevent disgrace, partly from a wish to prevent worse crime. Emi- nent practitioners were often found to be guar- dians of persons whose origin was unknown. 456 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. If such cases are less common now, it is to be feared that it is not from improved morality, but from the too facile resort to means which every physician knows are constantly resorted to even by married women of a certain class, ignorant of the danger and ultimate injury they do themselves. A milliner who bears a French title may be some- times resorted to. There are certain questions in philosophy and theology, which come up like comets after the lapse of years, take some new form, and for a time excite universal attention. They have their run, are taken up, maintained with earnestness by numbers, and elucidated with great warmth, then are refuted by other philosophers or theolo- gians ; until, having lost their novelty, they sink into oblivion for a generation or more. Among the questions which have excited great attention, and is of very frequent rejuvenescence, is that of the origin of the animal and material world, a question which has sometimes been started from mere desire for philosophical specula- tion, but often from the desire to do away with the current forms of belief, and to prove the exis- tence of a creation without a creator. They succeed as well as those eastern mytholo- gists who supported the earth on the back of an elephant, and the elephant upon a tortoise, but what the tortoise stood upon was left to the imagi- nation. The system of Lord Monboddo, who originated the idea that the human^race were originally mon- 1811.] SPONTANEOUS GENERATION. 457 keys, is only a coarser form of that revived by Darwin, and brought into new life and beauty by the French naturalist, Geoffrey St. Hilaire, who suc- ceeded Cuvier. Erasmus Darwin, in 1793, the author of the " Loves of the Plants," thought that " all animated nature, as men, beasts, and vegetables, takes its origin from single living filaments, susceptible of irritation, which is the agent which sets them in motion." The modern theory is, that in the simplest form of existence the animal or animalcule is without limbs or organs, the necessity for which produces their development in successive generations. The trunk of the elephant owes its origin and devel- opment to his living among high trees, and being obliged to seize the limbs with his trunk ; the neck of the camelopard, to the necessity of reaching up to browse. The continued effort through a course of generations produced the effect. It was while the theory of spontaneous genera- tion was under popular discussion that my father one morning received from a gentleman, who was one of his patients, a box containing some singular and mysterious creatures, which he supposed to have generated during the night in some remark- able manner, either in a sore in his knee, or in the poultice which had been applied to it. This gen- tleman was a believer in spontaneous generation, and sent the specimens in hope of overcoming the skepticism of my father. The microscope was not then in use, but Dr. Warren had no difficulty in 458 LIFE OF DE. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 58. ascertaining that the beings in question were young mice. The Doctor had visited the gentleman the evening before, and prescribed an Indian meal poultice for his knee. Owing to haste or inadver- tency, a nest of young mice was included in the poultice. Another question of the time was the invention of perpetual motion. Immense advantages, it was supposed, would accrue from this discovery. Not only would a motive power be supplied without cost, but as there would be nothing to accelerate or retard motion, that motion would always be equal, allowing for change of air, temperature, and other external causes, which it was supposed might be guarded against, and hence a chronometer or watch may be constructed, which would keep per- fect time. Dr. Warren was invited to visit a mill or factory, the proprietor of which claimed to have discovered and applied the principle of perpetual motion. It had attracted great attention, was the topic of general conversation, and was visited by great numbers of people, most of whom, I think, gave ready credence to all that was claimed for it. He took his family to visit the wonderful discovery, which was in a building some miles out of town. A number of rooms in the house were filled with machinery, which moved in perfect order and regu- larity. I forget what explanations were given to my father of the motive power. I know that he received the whole matter with a good deal of amusement. It continued in successful operation 1811.1 PERPETUAL MOTION. 459 only a short time after this. Some inadvertency at length led to the discovery that the motive power was a man in the cellar. His connection with the machinery had been ingeniously concealed. Natu- ral philosophers explain, and perhaps prove, that the matter is simply impossible. It has been at- tempted to accomplish the purpose by galvanism, a bar of iron to be alternately attracted and re- pelled, so as to continue in incessant motion, but no success has been attained. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1812. WAE WITH ENGLAND. Affairs of John Henry. Declaration of War. Hull's Expedi- tion. Hull's Surrender. Baltimore Mob. Chesapeake and Shannon. Capture of the Guerriere by Captain Hull. TpARLY in the year 1812, Mr. Madison made, a -^ communication to Congress which at first pro- duced a startling effect, and has been referred to in after years for the purpose of getting up Demo- cratic capital whenever it was necessary for polit- ical purposes. It has come down like a gigantic shadow, in which people have imagined there must be some mysterious substance, from the very fact of there being nothing tangible. This was the pretended plot of John Henry, who in the dimness of the past is supposed to have intrigued between Great Britain and the leading Federalists of the North, for a separation of the New England States, and a union between them and Great Britain. For the information given him, Madison paid this man fifty thousand pounds from the secret service fund, probably believing that the large amount paid would give weight to his testimony. It proved that he had indeed been sent to Bos- 1812.] DECLARATION OF WAR. 461 ton by Sir James Craig, Governor of Canada, to ascertain the state of affairs and the temper of the people toward Great Britain. But he failed to show that he had held any communication with the leading Federalists, and they all disavowed any intercourse with him. Henry sunk into oblivion, but the shade of the Henry letters, like that of the subsequent Hartford Convention, is reinvoked whenever it becomes desirable for a faction to throw censure upon the leading men of New Eng- land of that period. On the 18th of June, the bill was passed in Con- gress for a declaration of war against Great Brit- ain. The reasons publicly given were : the im- pressment of American seamen, the British doc- trine and system of blockade, and the Orders in Council, which had a very injurious effect upon American commerce. When the news of this act reached Boston, meetings were held to adopt measures and remon- strances against the war, and Dr. Warren attended and often presided at these meetings. In his view it was not only a wicked war, but in the highest degree impolitic, and tending to involve the country in utter ruin. We were entirely unpre- pared for war ; no army and no navy to oppose to the greatest and most powerful nation in the world ; hampered, it is true, by a war with France, but with a navy greatly superior to that of their rival; what could be expected but that if England should turn her strength against us, she could crush our feeble attempt at maritime power by a single .blow ? 462 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 59. The Eastern States were, in general, opposed to the war. Ingersoll, the historian of the war, and the ardent defender of it, says : " The East, commer- cial and navigating, for whose vindication the war was undertaken, opposed it, Massachusetts (then including Maine), New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, with a large part of New York, and the majority of New Jersey. The West and South, with nothing but principles to fight for, and free from apparent danger, together with the large central States, Virginia and Pennsylvania, supported it. Vermont, a frontier State, was the only one of New England for the war." Thus, according to this earnest advocate, we have the singular spectacle of a war urged on by disinterested States for the protection of those who were most strongly opposed to it, and who were likely to be the principal sufferers. It is to the honor of the clergy that they opposed the war with all their energies. " The reasoning faculty of the country," says Ingersoll, condemned the war. It has been customary since the peace of 1815, for all parties to maintain that the war was a nec- essary one ; that it gave America importance in the eyes of foreign nations. The sufferings it pro- duced at the time are forgotten. During the three years' war, and for ten years after, the wealthy suf- fered from the deprivation of all articles of lux- ury ; the poor for clothing ; our coast was rav- aged by English vessels, and large numbers of slaves were carried off from the South. The im- pressment of seamen became the prominent cause ; i8i2.] HULL'S EXPEDITION. 463 others were lost sight of, and when the war be- tween England and France was terminated by the battle of Waterloo, American grievances ceased as matter of course ; but the matter of impressment was left unsettled by the treaty of peace in 1815. The long peace which followed this period left the country free from all important annoyance, and constantly gaining in strength to be ready to as- sert her rights with louder voice, whenever the recurrence of war in Europe should bring back similar disputes. Knowing the formidable power of Great Britain upon the water, it was thought that our main ef- forts against her should be made by land. For the conquest of Canada, Gen. William Hull, the Governor of Michigan, was sent with a large force of volunteers and militia, considered sufficient to overcome all the force of the British in Upper Canada. It was supposed that the Provincial mi- litia would not fight the Americans, and that the Indians were waiting to join what should prove to be the strongest side. The result of this disastrous expedition is well known, but it would be difficult to describe the feelings with which the news of his unaccountable surrender were received ; the universal burst of indignation from all parties ; the bitter mortifica- tion of the administration party, and the adminis- tration itself who were probably the louder in their condemnation because they were most to blame. On the other hand, what were the min- gled feelings of the Federalists, who, while they 464 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 59. felt a triumph over their opponents, and an incli- nation to rejoice at whatever might put a damper upon the war, and discourage the inclination for further hostilities, were still deeply mortified at the humiliation of the American arms. These feelings -were shared by my father with all the keenness to which his excitable temperament induced. We have seen by his speeches that he was not disposed to palliate English aggressions. The old feelings expressed so strongly in his Jour- nal of 1775, those of an officer of the Revolu- tionary army, could not have been entirely sub- dued, and he felt as keenly as any one of the op- posite party the disgrace of the American arms, the humiliation to the haughty, contemptuous, and aggressive power against which he had been so long opposed. He felt that the war was unjust and impolitic. It was giving aid to a power whose ag- gressions towards us had been as great or greater ; who had been less disposed to listen to our remon- strances, and whose leader was then believed to be the most reckless and ambitious monster the world had ever seen ; one who would never be satisfied until the whole world was under his feet, and who would then regret with Alexander that he had no more worlds to conquer. Such were the views of the Federalists, seeing Napoleon through English glasses. In my father they were magnified and in- tensified by his ardent temperament. Believing that Providence could not be on our side in such a war, and hoping that ill success would show its injudiciousness, and bring discredit 1812.] HULL'S SURRENDER. 465 upon the administration, thus winning over neu- trals to the side of peace, and chilling the spirit of the war party ; he endeavored to rejoice at what he considered only just retribution. General Hull was tried by court-inartial and found guilty of cowardice and neglect of duty. With which sentence, says Hildreth, it will not be easy to find fault if we understand thereby, " not so much fear of personal harm, as that want of nerve so absolutely necessary in a general ; a read- iness to risk, when necessary, the lives of others as well as his own." The threats of the English com- mander, that in case of defeat he would not re- strain the Indians from all sorts of atrocities, un- doubtedly had a strong effect upon the mind of the American commander. 1 The next event which made the strongest im- pression upon my mind, was the Baltimore Mob. I mention the impression upon myself, because it was the reflection of my father's feelings. It was to him a source of horror and shame, not only for the outrage itself, but because it seemed to be a fair beginning and exemplar for the utter con- tempt of all law, order, and humanity, such as was shown by the Sans-culottes of Paris. It was indeed a fair specimen of the extremes to which a mob can go when they have given 1 He was condemned to be shot, but the execution of the sen- tence was remitted by the President. He was a man of amiable and kindly feeling, which his portrait indicates, as well as a want of firmness. The idea of abandoning his army, together with the people of the country, to Indian brutality, formed a picture too strong for him to encounter. 30 466 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 59. themselves up to unrestrained license. Every species of brutality enacted in France was equalled or surpassed in this American city, an indelible disgrace to that place and to the nation. In violation of the most solemn promises of good treatment, their prisoners were seized and beaten in the most horrible manner, the mob stick- ing pen-knives into their cheeks, dropping candle grease into their eyes to ascertain if they were dead, etc. One of the prisoners was covered with a coat of tar and feathers, and when he fell back as if dead, they set fire to the feathers by way of resuscitating him. So much has already been said of the extreme susceptibility of Dr. Warren towards pain or suffer- ing in others, that it will be readily understood how strongly his feelings were roused upon this occasion. The cruelties inflicted upon these men he felt as keenly as if he had witnessed and shared them ; while he thought perhaps more of the disgrace to the country, and the confirmation it gave to his fears, that the horrors of the French Revolution were to be repeated here. These fears were increased by the fact that the Democratic papers, and the advocates of war throughout the country, palliated and even ap- proved these outrages. They hoped to intimidate the Federal party. The opposite effect, however, was produced. Attempts at imitation in Norfolk and Buffalo were promptly put down. Universal indignation was excited, public meetings were held everywhere, to denounce these outrages. 1813.] CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 467 The next affair which produced great excitement in Boston was that of the Chesapeake and the Shan- non. The latter, a British frigate, had appeared off Boston, and, it was understood, had sent a chal- lenge to the commander of the Chesapeake, which was just ready to go to sea. 1 It is stated that Broke, the English commander, had sent a letter to Lawrence, proposing to meet him in any lati- tude or longitude he might name, but that this let- ter had not been received. Lawrence, however, sailed out to meet him, understanding the appear- ance of the frigate to be a challenge. However this might be, it was generally under- stood that the Chesapeake was to go out to meet the Shannon in consequence of a challenge. My father sent me under the charge of the colored man, Cuff, to Fort Hill, to witness the engagement. The Common, or grass inclosure there, was thronged with people waiting to see the encounter. How long I remained there I do not recollect. The spectators were disappointed. The Shannon did not appear, either from the misunderstanding above inferred, or from fear of being overpowered if she came too near the shore. Lawrence stood out to sea in search, and about five o'clock (June 1st) came up with her, about thirty miles from Boston light. A furious engagement took place. The bugle- man, a negro, was seized with panic, hid himself in some obscure corner, and was not to be found when Lawrence gave the order to board. The or- der had to be passed by word of mouth. i Hildreth. 468 LITE OF DR. -JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. At this moment Lawrence fell mortally wounded ; the English commander gave the order to board, and found the upper deck in confusion, the Ameri- can boarders not having yet mustered. In a very short time they were masters of the ship. The Chesapeake had forty-eight killed and ninety-eight wounded ; the Shannon, twenty-six killed and fifty- eight wounded. Captain Lawrence died five days 'after. The whole of this fierce action lasted but eighteen minutes. Such is the account given by history. But the first of June was a terribly anxious day. Multi- tudes had gathered on Fort Hill and elsewhere, and waited till they were tired out. My father came in frequently from his professional visits, to com- pare notes with what had been received at the house. The young men, the habitue's of the family, came in with rumors and speculations. Nothing definite was ascertained that day. Both ships were out of sight. Then came rumors of disaster. They were hardly credited, for previous victories had excited great confidence in our ships of war. It could not be believed that, in a naval duel, fought under the eyes of then: friends, our ship could have been worsted. Then when the fact was ascertained of the loss of the ship and the mortal wound of her com- mander, foul play was attributed to the British. It was said that missiles were used to overpower or intimidate the Americans, which, though fair per- haps in common naval war, was not so against an enemy challenged to a fair fight. 1813.] THE CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 469 All sorts of rumors were in circulation to account for the defeat. The real truth appears to have been that a portion of the crew consisted of foreign mer- cenaries. The first lieutenant was sick on shore. The officer next to Lawrence on board assisted his wounded commander to the cockpit. The post of two others was filled by midshipmen. Some dis- content existed among the crew, which, just leav- ing port, was not likely to be in the best condition to meet the enemy. The men were strangers to their commander, and strangers to each other. The want of officers, the disappearance of the bu- gle-man, caused the loss of the favorable moment to repel boarders. Broke had seized the instant when Lawrence fell, and his men were not prepared. The Shannon was terribly damaged, and is re- ported to have been in a sinking condition, so that the commander was impelled by desperation to board. A keg or chest of powder was exploded on deck, by a hand grenade thrown from the Shan- non, which added to the consternation occasioned by the fall of Lawrence. I recollect complaint was made at the time of the throwing of " stink-pots " technically so called from the Shannon. This article is der. scribed 1 as " an earthen jar, charged with gre- nades, powder, and other materials of an offensive and suffocating smell, sometimes used in boarding an enemy's vessel." The explosion of these mis- siles, if they were used, added to that of the pow- der chest, increased the confusion on board ; while 1 Webster. 470 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. the absence of the officer next in command, who assisted his wounded commander to the cockpit, left the deck without a commander at the critical moment. This officer was tried before a naval tribunal for various specifications, but convicted only of having left his post to assist his commander to the cock- pit. He was cashiered, with perpetual inability to serve in the United States navy. It was necessary to have a victim, and Ingersoll remarks that if he had been capitally convicted and executed, it might have had the same good effect on our navy that the execution of Byng had upon the English. The same court made no complaint against the English, but that of firing upon our men after they had retreated below. On the whole, this disaster is said to have had a favorable effect upon our navy, for previous tri- umphs had rendered the commanders rash. On the other hand, the English were not so far en- couraged as to be very ready to engage our ships with an equal force, during the remainder of the war. I do not know whether the present generation have any recollection or knowledge of the damper which that disaster cast upon the minds of the men of the time. It was no feeling of discouragement, but of regret for the British triumph, and sorrow for the loss of a gallant commander. To my father and his friends it seemed like a judgment of Provi- dence, a sign in the heavens of coming woe, an encouragement to the ravage of our coasts. 1813.] BOSTON MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 471 The victory was celebrated in England by the most extravagant rejoicings, conclusively showing how great had been the fears and mortification which our previous naval victories had excited. Almost at the same time with the news of the disgraceful surrender of General Hull, came the tidings of the naval victory of his namesake, Cap- tain Isaac Hull, who had already distinguished him- self for his gallant escape from the midst of the British squadron. Commanding the Constitution, he captured the British frigate, Guerri&re, on the 19th of August, after a combat of two hours, thirty min- utes' hard fighting. The British frigate was so ' much damaged it was thought expedient to destroy her. It was set on fire and blown up. Captain Hull returned with his prisoners to Boston, and was received with great rejoicing. Some notice might have been given in its place of the Boston Medical Association, which suc- ceeded the " Boston Medical Society," in conse- quence of the important part which Dr. John Warren took in its formation. Dr. Warren, Dr. Hayward, and Dr. Fleet were appointed a committee to propose a code of med- ical police. They reported the following year, and their report was adopted on the first of May, 1808. " The Report bears the strong impress of the physician whose name is at the head of the com- mittee, by whom the preamble was undoubtedly written. The code has formed the basis of med- ical conduct in Boston for sixty years past, has 47-5 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 60. been cheerfully adhered to by the whole medical fraternity, and has regulated the conduct of its members towards each other and towards their pa- tients. " To the observance of tjiis code, the profession are indebted for the great harmony which has pre- vailed among them, and indeed, throughout the State, for it has shed its influence over the Med- ical Society of Massachusetts." l 1 Life of John C. Warren, vol. i. p. 88. CHAPTER XXIX. 1813. TREATISE ON MERCURIAL PRACTICE. Diseases of New England. Angina Maligna. Diphtheria. Small- pox. Measles. Throat Distemper. Consumption. Dysen- tery. Spotted Fever. Spinal Meningitis. TN the year 1805, Dr. Warren delivered a dis- course before the Massachusetts Medical Society, which he afterwards published in 1813, under the title of " A View of the Mercurial Practice in Fe- brile Diseases." It was prepared with great labor and research, and a great deal of labor was again bestowed upon it amidst all his other occupations, and in feeble health, while it was going through the press. It forms a small volume, but is valuable for the clear views which are given upon the use of a medicine of so great power, and whose action is generally so much misunderstood ; and against which so many prejudices have always existed., % In the first part, he proposes to give a short ac- count of the introduction of mercury into use in New England, and other parts of the United States, and at length in Europe and the "West Indies. "The early opinions advanced with respect to its merits in general, the diseases which gave oc- casion to its adoption, and the analogies on which 474 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. it was founded, particularly in America, and the strong prejudices entertained by many against it, will be particularly noticed." " An examination of some of the preparations of this medicine will be necessary for explaining their effects on the body, and the different degrees of activity which they possess, and consequently the several theories founded upon them. " It may perhaps be made to appear that these medicines act in the first place as powerful stimu- lants upon the body ; in a manner revolutionizing the whole system, changing the existing order and modes of action in the organs ; and in the second place, that they may furnish some portion of their constituent parts to the blood in the blood-vessels, which must be highly stimulated by them, and thus be enabled to expel or correct the morbid matter, if any such exist, and bring about an en- tire change of action. " In most cases, a quantity of the medicine merely sufficient to evince its action on the mouth, is competent to a cure, yet in some cases it is not to be accomplished without full salivation. . " This being effected, it is evident that a more complete subversion of the present train of actions is brought about, as a new disease may be said to be induced. " Such disease, on Mr. Hunter's principle, that two general disorders cannot hold dominion in the body at the same time, may be called the artificial disease, and may be substituted for the original, which is subdued or cured. 1813.] MERCURIAL PRACTICE. 475 " Before presuming thus to create a new disease, the nature of it should be well understood, and the method of removing it should be under com- plete command." .... " Sensible of the extreme difficulty of establish- ing any rational theory of the modus operandi of mercury, I offer these suggestions with great diffi- dence, far from being ambitious of originality on the one hand, and very little studious, on the other, of conforming them to any system what- ever. Such considerations as have occurred either from observation or experience, whether of others or myself, are here presented. " Indeed the whole treatise was designed not so much for the purpose of exhibiting anything new to the observation of the physician, as to present in one view a summary of facts, from which he may draw his own conclusions." It may be observed that in the above quotation Dr. Warren alludes to the same principle, founded upon the axiom of John Hunter, " that no two dis- eases can hold dominion in the body at the same time," in regard to mercury, that Hahnneman af- terwards proved from the action of Peruvian bark upon himself. Dr. Warren says that " mercury has been aptly denominated the Sampson of the Materia Medica. " It is the dictate of prudence to be assured, be- fore we admit it into the strongholds of the system, whether it will act the part of a friend in defending it against the disease that assails it, or 476 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. whether it may not be likely to pull down the pil- lars of the human constitution." In the second part, he gives a general descrip- tion of epidemic fevers and the use of mercury in them, taken principally from foreign sources. The third part contains a sketch of some of the febrile diseases which have prevailed within the last thirty years in the eastern part of the States, particularly in Massachusetts. The fourth part contains a short account of the endemical and epidemic diseases which have ap- peared in this neighborhood, both subjects of mer- curial practice. In conclusion, Dr. Warren attributes the influ- ence of the preparations of mercury to their con- taining oxygen in such state of combination as will admit of their being employed in medicine and introduced into the system. The effect of oxygen is that cff a stimulus upon the vascular system, changing the color of the blood, and ren- dering it more florid. It excites into increased ac- tion the muscular fibre, and thereby changes the state of the body. Mercury is indeed so powerful an agent truly indeed the " Sampson " of the Pharmacopoeia, that it probably will always be used openly or secretly in its various combinations by physicians and em- pirics of every denomination, and all the preju- dices against it will not prevent its use and abuse. It is very well that these prejudices should con- tinue. The resort to so powerful a medicine should be controlled by the utmost circumspection 181 3.] SMALL-POX. 477 by medical men, and it never ought to be em- ployed except under the care and by the order of a competent physician. Yet I have known mothers give an infant six grains of calomel for a trifling complaint, and it is well known how freely the blue pill is used in England, and prob- ably in this country. In the Southern States mer- cury is used very freely. Here, while some phy- sicians have an almost superstitious fear of it, sup- posing its effects to be highly debilitating, others employ it empirically, that is, from their own ex- perience of its particular effects, without troubling themselves to regard its modus operandi. The history of a physician of extensive prac- tice, is the history of medicine during his time. It may be well therefore to avail ourselves of the account which he has given in his fourth part, of the diseases which prevailed successively, having anything of an epidemic character. Dr. Thacher informs us that in the years 1735 and 1736 the disease called " Angina ulcus-culosa (Angina maligna) prevailed extensively through- out the country in its most malignant form, and it was estimated that in Massachusetts alone, about one thousand persons became its victims. On this occasion calomel was for the first time administered as a remedy, and attended with the happiest suc- cess." Of the yellow fever a sufficient account has al- ready been given. SMALL-POX. Inoculation for the small-pox was introduced into New England in 1721, in despite of 478 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. an immense opposition and outcry, at the in- stance of Cotton Mather. Dr. Boylston was the only person bold enough to perform it ; and he did so at the peril of his life. Those who died from its effects were regarded in the same manner as if they had committed suicide, and those who per- formed the operation, as murderers. An attempt was made to destroy one of these persons by throw- ing a shell into his chamber. Fortunately, in pass- ing through the wood-work, the fuse was knocked off, and there was no explosion. Out of five thousand eight hundred and eighty- nine who took the disease in the natural way, eight hundred and forty-four died. In 1752, it was again epidemic, when the num- ber of the inhabitants was 15,734. Of this number, 5,544 had the disease in the natural way, and 514 died. The whole number inoculated was 2,113, of whom 30 died. It was epidemic again in 1761, 1764, and in 1776, 1778, and 1780. The last time it occurred in Boston as an epi- demic of importance was in 1792 ; 9,152 persons passed through it at this period. Of these, 165 died, chiefly children ; 230 had it the natural way, 33 of whom died. The others were inoculated. The population of the town at this time was about 20,000.- MEASLES. The measles, Dr. Warren says, have been epidemic once in eight or nine years, and, al- most invariably, have prevailed till they passed through the town. 1813.] THROAT DISTEMPER. 479 A curious case is given, in elucidation of Mr. Hunter's theory respecting the prevalence of two constitutional diseases at one and the same time. " I vaccinated a child about five years old. On the third day the arm exhibited the usual appear- ance of infection in the most favorable form. From this period to the fifth, the incision became brighter. On the same day, the child, who had, for a day or two had a slight cough, complained of soreness of the throat and inflamed eyes ; the redness of the incision began to subside in the same proportion as these symptoms increased, till at length it faded, as in cases where the system had proved insuscep- tible of the infection. " The measles then assumed the command of the system, and ran through all their stages without appearing to be influenced by any other operation, till they turned at the usual period, when the pus- tule began to resume its former redness, and thence regularly advanced and terminated, having been protracted to a period of several days beyond its common course. " This is a distinct instance of one disease taking full possession of the habit, and suspending the powers of another, without entirely subduing them." He observes that the symptoms of measles are so well known that they require no particular detail ; " but it may be of use to observe that the eruption is almost invariably discovered upon the velum palati, or roof of the mouth, sometime ear- lier than on the external surface of the body." 480 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. THROAT DISTEMPER. Cynanehe maligna, putrid sore throat (now called diphtheria), made its ap- pearance in Boston, in September, 1735, after a very cold and wet summer. It commenced at Kingston, New Hampshire, in the May preceding ; an inland town, situated in a low plain. " The first person seized with it was a child, who died in three days. About a week .after, three children in one family, at a distance of four miles from the first, were successively attacked, and died on the third day. It continued spreading, in that town, and gradually made its way, in the course of the summer and the following winter, to Boston and many of the neighboring towns, and did not cease till the end of the next summer. The whole of its extent was from Maine to Carolina. The subjects were usually children. "The symptoms were a pain in the head and back, soreness of the throat, and swelling in the glands of the neck ; pulse frequent, but small and soft ; the tonsils somewhat inflamed at first ; the velum pen- dulum palati and uvula in the same condition, with whitish or ash-colored spots on their surfaces." When it did not prove fatal on the second or third day, which it frequently did, it was almost universally attended with great erosion and exco- riation about the fauces, inside of the mouth, lips, and chin, and wherever the saliva lodged, and these parts became covered with a white aphthous slough, painful and corrosive. Even the extremi- ties of the fingers when smeared with the saliva were corroded. A sister of Dr. Holyoke lost her 1813.] THROAT DISTEMPER. 481 finger nails from the acrid quality of the matter ; a circumstance, it may be observed, which often occurs in erysipelatous inflammation. Dr. Warren remarks, in accordance with the ob- servation of Dr. Holyoke, that the disease in later years appeared in a different form, and attended with greater debility. It was not considered con- tagious by the physicians of that day. On its first appearance in Boston it was supposed to be noth- ing more than a common cold ; but when its mor- tality in- New Hampshire was known, it spread the greatest degree of alarm and terror. The number of those who had the disease in Bos- ton was 4,000, of whom one hundred and fourteen died one in thirty-five. In 1754 and 1755, it again made its appearance in some parts of Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire. In 1784 it also spread through most of the towns of New England, since which time, says Dr. Warren, it has never been generally prevalent in any considerable part of this commonwealth. " In 1802 some instances of extreme virulence occurred, and began to produce an alarm in the town ; but a more specific epidemic, the measles, having made their appearance in the latter end ot January, the inhabitants were happily relieved from their anxiety, and the throat distemper was completely overpowered and subdued by this wel- come substitute." It ffirst appeared about the last of December, 1801. In the beginning, the symptoms were re- markable paleness of the countenance, extreme 31 482 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 60. weakness, pain in the limbs, slight soreness of the throat, white tongue. The tonsils were remark- ably inflamed or swollen, as much as in common sore throat from cold. On the second day, an efflo- rescence usually commenced on the arms, neck, and breast, which gradually extended over the whole surface without any relief to the patient. In some cases the respiration was laborious. One instance assumed the form of Cynanche tonsillaris. The glands of the neck were much swollen. On the third or fourth day, the efflorescence in the more violent cases assumed a deeper shade of red, bor- dering upon purple. In proportion to the cuta- neous eruption was the danger of the disease. At this period an aphthous coating was discovered on the velum of the palate, and on the tonsils. On the fifth day, the patient usually either died, or exhibited marks of amendment. " The prostration of strength was so remarkable from the beginning, the pulse so extremely frequent and small, and the tendency to putrefaction so ob- vious, that it was judged necessary to commence immediately with tonic and antiseptic medicines ; sometimes, however, cleansing the stomach and fauces with an emetic of ipecac. Bark and wine were then prescribed in as large quantities as could be conveyed into the stomach, with elixir vitriol (sulphuric acid) diluted with water ; and in case of aphthae, or erosions of the tonsils and uvula, great advantage was derived from diluted muri- atic acid applied with a small mop or sponge to the parts affected." 1813.] CONSUMPTION. 483 "For the swelling of the parotid glands, noth- ing was so efficacious as the application of cold water, or vinegar and water, by cloths kept con- stantly \vet with these fluids. The drinking of cold water was in some cases attended with the happiest effect." One patient recovered from the most desperate state of the disease by drinking, in the course of two or three days, several pails full, discharging most of it immediately from the stomach. "It was distinguished from inflammatory sore throat by occurring in infirm persons, especially in females ; it seemed to arise from contagion. It was a constitutional disorder, attended with vomiting or purging, acute pain in the head, erysipelatous redness of the fauces, and a scarlet eruption on the skin, with quick and weak pulse. It became ul- cerous with sloughs of a cineritious color." I have been thus particular in quoting Dr. War- ren's account of the disease, because it appears to be allowed that the disease introduced from France into England about the year 1858, under the name of Diphtherite or Diphtheria, and afterwards pre- vailing here and creating consternation by its sud- denness and fatality, was the same disease. The croup, hydrocephalus internus, pleurisy, and pneumonia, we may pass over. They pre- vailed formerly as they do now, and to about the same extent. Croup is probably less frequent and fatal than formerly. PHTHISIS was, as it is now, one of the most fatal, if not the most so, of all diseases prevalent in our 484 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 60. vicinity. In the nine months from July 1st, 1804, there were three hundred and twenty-three deaths. Of these, fifty-six died of consumption, seventeen males and thirty-nine females, amounting to more than one sixth part of the whole. Dr. Warren says : " In the populous seaport towns, the mortality from this disease is consider- ably greater than in the country. I impute this chiefly to these causes : dissipation and intemper- ance, too little exercise, and improper clothing ; this not being adapted to the nature of the cli- mate, the season, and the mutability of the weather." The first of these causes principally applies to males, and is voluntary ; the two latter to females, and are the effect of pride, vanity, or carelessness. A common source of consumption in our females is want of exercise ; there is perhaps no place in which the common habits of improved social life are adopted, in which this sex are less attentive to that most essential requisite for the preservation of health, than in this. " Nor are these observations inapplicable to the other sex. There is not one man in a hundred that exercises sufficiently in mercantile cities ; be- cause not one in a hundred from the nature of his occupations is -obliged to do it, and not one in two hundred will do it from principle. " The fashionable modes of clothing constitute a no less fruitful source of infirmities than those before enumerated. " The warm rooms, which are usually an ap- pendage to the luxury of the capitals ; and thin 1813.] DYSENTERY. 485 clothing abroad, lay the foundation of many of those complaints which are the precursors of con- sumption." Dr. Warren says no exercise is equally salutary with that of walking. Lecturers upon hygiene and the steam-engine, have made an immense change with regard to ex- ercise. Merchants reside at a distance from their places of business, great numbers living out of town, and coming in daily to their stores and ware- houses. At one period few people left Boston in summer. They went to their places of business in the morning, returned to a hasty dinner at two, and went again to their stores as soon as dinner was over. Hygiene is better understood and bet- ter attended to. Steam and horse railways have introduced a new era. All the world is in motion ; all the world is restless. Whether the introduction of furnaces has been equally conducive to health, whether the multi- plication of factories and of the various employ- ments which an immensely increased population has demanded, is another question ? Whether sufficient attention is paid to proper clothing ? On the other hand we may be surprised to find that in the country far too many of the farmers' wives are worn out and become prematurely old from hard labor. Working in mills and factories of course paves the way for consumption. DYSENTERY. During the period of my father's practice no disease was more dreaded than that of dysentery in the summer season. It prevailed as 486 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 60. an epidemic in our army, especially at the com- mencement of the war, and was exceedingly fatal among the troops stationed at Cambridge and Roxbury. Dr. Warren's main hygienic treat- ment, at least during the summer months, was to guard against this disease. All raw vegetables, green corn, cucumbers, salads, but especially un- ripe fruit, or ripe fruit in any excess, he regarded as poisons. Many things now regarded as promot- ing health by obviating costiveness, were utterly prohibited. As a remedy, he found nothing bet- ter than the extract juglandis cinerese, extract of butternut. Small doses of ipecac and opium and the. warm bath were beneficial. But opium was not used as it is now, as the sheet-anchor in this disease. RHEUMATISM. It was the custom to bleed in acute rheumatism as in other inflammatory diseases. Dr. Warren does not notice the Spotted Fever, which in fact did not appear as an epidemic in Mas- sachusetts until subsequent to the delivery of this address. It commenced its career in Medfield, Massachusetts, in March, 1806, and as Dr. Thacher says, it " spread terror and desolation through the interior of the country." " In 1810 it prevailed in the County of Worcester with unexampled mortal- ity, baffling the powers of medicine, and setting at defiance the best skill of physicians." A committee of the Massachusetts Medical So- ciety, composed of Drs. Thomas Welsh, James Jackson, and John C. Warren, were appointed to investigate the disease and report upon the sub- ject. 1813.] SPOTTED FEVER. 487 They addressed a circular to those physicians throughout the State who had witnessed the dis- ease. They obtained answers from twelve. The substance of these is given in their report. " The subject of this disease, they say, is seized in the midst of his labor or occupation, and often is struck down as suddenly as if by a stroke of lightning. " There is local pain in one joint or limb, often in a finger or toe, in the side, stomach, back, neck, or head. Sometimes there is delirium or coma ; more rarely spasms or convulsions. Sometimes the sensation is like the stinging of a bee ; fre- quently it is an excruciating pain which* arrests and demands the whole attention. This pain moves about without losing its violence, generally ap- proaching the head. The pain in the head is often intolerably severe, and is compared to the beating of hammers. " In some cases the delirium is violent, producing a fury which is scarcely to be restrained. In a few instances the patient has become blind and raving within half an hour of the attack. " Some die in the early stages of this disease. A few are taken off suddenly in ten or twelve hours ; others in twenty-four, thirty-six, or forty-eight hours, from the first symptom of this disorder. Death rarely occurs after the third day." Some physicians most conversant with the disease con- sidered their patients safe if they passed through the first twenty-four hours without any mortal symptoms. 488 LIFE OF DK. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 60, In cases fatal within two days, petechial spots of dark color, violet or livid, suddenly appeared on the inferior extremities, and immediately over the whole body. It is this discoloration of the body in the fatal cases that has given the name to the disease. On the access of the disease, the eyes are de- scribed as more brilliant than usual, with a wild, penetrating stare ; and it is said that this is often noticed before the patient is aware of any symp- tom of illness. Spasms are also noticed, which frequently occur, sometimes resembling hysteric spasms, sometimes occasioning the head to be drawn fyack, as in opisthotonos. In the congestive fever that proved fatal to so many of our troops in Newbern, N. C., in 1863, this was a general symptom stiffness of the mus- cles of the neck or back, sometimes amounting to spasm and it seems to be conceded that the cere- bro-spinal meningitis, which under this new name has recently proved so suddenly fatal, is the spot- ted fever of 1807-15. The writer of the article on spotted fever in the " Encyclopaedia Americana " sums up as the result of the pathological observation, " that this disease was a fever, having a peculiar tendency to run rap- idly into a state of great prostration and debility, and often more or less complicated with local inflam- mation of an erysipelatous character." The practice which had been found applicable to other fevers proved so unsuccessful in this, that the physicians early lost their confidence, not only in 1813.] SPOTTED FEVER. 489 the usual practice, but in the resources of medicine altogether. The credit is given to a worthy matron of devis- ing the first successful treatment. This consisted in exciting perspiration by means of some " herb- tea," and by a vapor bath, and keeping the patient highly stimulated with brandy and other diffusible stimulants. Taking this hint, judicious physicians adopted a combination of opium, ipecac, and cam- phor, to produce and keep up a gentle diaphoresis, and the careful employment of stimulants, guided by the temperature of the skin and by the pulse. In cases of great coldness and prostration, large quantities of the most powerful stimulants were re- quired ; brandy in hot water, tincture of cinnamon, tincture of opium, tinctures of peppermint and lav- ender, were the best. Afterwards, the cinchona was given. Quinine was unknown. A nutritious and stimulating diet was adopted. Emetics were used only when the state of the stomach indicated them. Cathartics were avoided, and only the mild- est laxatives used when it was necessary to employ them to remove costiveness. Such is the general outline of the practice found most successful in spotted fever, and there can be no doubt of its proper application to the new named disease, cerebro-spinal meningitis. If the symp- toms are such as described above, they indicate a tonic course, with nourishing diet, as in erysipelas or other diseases involving an animal poison. CHAPTER XXX. 1813-1814. EVENTS OF THE WAR CONTINUED. Holocaust of Horses. Abdication of Napoleon. Veteran Troops sent to America. Arrival of the British Fleet. March toward the Capital. Battle of Bladensburg. Capture of Washington. rilO return to the events of the war. On the 18th of October, 1812, the British sloop Frolic was taken by the American sloop Wasp ; October 25th, Commodore Decatur, in the United States, captured the frigate Macedonian ; and on February 25th, 1813, the Hornet captured the British sloop of war, Pea- cock. Some time in 1814 the British landed in the north part of Maine. The militia who had been stationed to guard the coast, fled with the greatest speed into the heart of the woods. Numbers of horses whose riders had urged them to their ut- most through almost impassable roads blocked by stumps of trees, over corduroy bridges composed of logs of all sizes with intervals between them, deep sloughs, in which the horses plunged and wallowed, at length arrived at Palmyra. Joseph Warren, filled with compassion for the sufferings of the wretched, worn-out creatures, pur- chased them of their owners, who considered them- selves secure from further pursuit, or thought their 1814.] ABDICATION OF NAPOLEON. 491 own heels a better protection than those of their worn-out horses. He had the miserable beasts slaughtered and placed on a funeral pyre in the middle of the public square or market-place, where they were burnt like an ancient hecatomb, while the inhabitants gathered around and held high fes- tival in honor of those who had won not the battle, but the race. In September, 1813, Perry obtained a brilliant naval victory on Lake Erie ; and upon the getting up a new expedition against Canada, the battle of Bridgewater, or Lundy's Lane, was fought, al- most our first success in Canada. Those who have been at Niagara will recollect the old man in military dress, at the Observatory, who points out the scene of this battle. The news of the abdication of Bonaparte on the 5th of April, 1814, was a serious damper to the war party, but a source of great rejoicing to the Federal- ists, as favoring the return of peace. It was cele- brated in Boston by religious services at the Stone Chapel, a sermon by Dr. Channing, etc. Negotia- tions for peace were renewed ; but the English seemed in no hurry, as delivered from the pressure of war on the Continent, they could employ their liberated troops to advantage in this country. Large detachments of veteran troops were sent to America. On the 8th of August news reached the government that there had arrived in the Ches- apeake River, Admiral Cochrane from Bermuda, with General Ross, and a division of about four thousand of Wellington's army. They were joined 492 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. by a thousand marines and a body of armed and disciplined negroes, who were deserters from the plantations. It had been the policy of the British troops to treat the negroes with kindness, and entice them to desert their masters. They were therefore friendly to the English, and as they out- numbered the whites, were a terror to them, and gave them ample employment in restraining their own servants. The British fleet arrived in the Chesapeake, August 18th, 1814. Enfeebled by close confine- ment, and wilting under the burning sun, the troops could scarcely stagger along. Their progress might easily have been delayed,' if not effectually stopped, by a slight opposition, and the felling a few trees where the road crossed the streams and swamps. But, as Mr. Hildreth says, the slave pop- ulation outnumbering the whites, the frightened planters thought only of " saving their own throats from insurgent knives, and their human property from English seduction. In the slaves, the British had good friends and sure means of information." Led by trained negroes, they cautiously advanced only six miles the first day, but without meeting any opposition, up the left bank of the Pawtuxet, threatening Burney's squadron in front, Alexandria and Washington on the left, and Baltimore and Annapolis on the right. The militia of the district summoned to arms, marched to a point about eight miles east of Washington, and were there joined by the regu- lars, August 20. The President, with some mem- 1814.] MAECH TOWARDS THE CAPITAL. 493 bers of the Cabinet, arrived at camp at midnight, and consulted, amid a scene of noise and confusion, for the defence of the capital. The next morning, August 23, he reviewed an army of about thirty- two hundred men. Various other bodies of Virginia and Maryland militia soon came up, some without arms and equipments, some' neutralized by contra- dictory orders. On the 24th, the American army was strongly posted near Bladensburg, with the President, Mon- roe, and Rush in camp, who came near falling into the hands of the enemy. The British army came up, utterly exhausted by the heat, but a few Con- greve rockets put the Maryland militia to flight. They were followed by the riflemen, and then by the Baltimore regiment, sweeping off with them the President, General, and Cabinet officers. The British pushed on, and were exposed to a destruc- tive fire of artillery, under which they were forced to turn off to the right and left, but found shelter in a ravine. On the left they fell in with the Annapolis regi- ment, which fled after a single fire. Those on the right encountered detached bodies, who retired promptly, as did the militia behind them, and the sailors and marines posted behind were compelled to join the flight, leaving their guns and their wounded commanders in the hands of the enemy. ; " Such was the famous battle of Bladensburg, in which," says Hildreth, "very few Americans had the honor to be either killed or wounded ; not more than fifty in all." Yet, according to the evi- 494 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. dence before a congressional committee, everybody behaved with perfect courage and coolness, and nobody retired except by orders, or for the want of them. There had been, in fact, no commander. The President and Cabinet were in camp, fright- ened and vacillating; holding the authority, but uncertain how to use it, or upon whom to devolve it. The English suffered much more severely, par- ticularly in the attack upon the sailors and marines, but they were utterly exhausted by the heat. I have already spoken of my father's pupil, Mr. George W. May. He obtained his medical degree in 1813, and established himself in Washington. He was consequently with the army as surgeon, and witnessed the famous retreat. Coming to visit his friends in Boston, as I suppose, taking for that purpose the opportunity of the British occu- pation of Washington, he gave my father an in- teresting detail of the battle and the subsequent events. He mentioned in particular one old man, who was so ashamed and disgusted at the cowardly behavior of the militia, that he refused to share their retreat, and remained standing alone, loading and firing, as the English troops came up. Struck with his courage and determination, their officers forbid their men to fire upon him, and tried to in- duce him to surrender. He still kept on firing, however^ and the order was given to wound with- out killing him. Shot down upon his knees, he still continued to load and fire, and did so much execution that the order was at length reluctantly 1814.] CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON. 495 given to spare him no longer. Dr. May spoke with respect of his resolute determination to show that there was one American who would not run away, but my father characterized it as fool-hardiness. The English generals supposed that in taking the capital they subdued the nation, but they found their capture little better than that of Mos- cow by the French certainly as barren of good results. The portion of the American army which had not dispersed had retreated to Georgetown, leaving Washington free to the enemy. It was then a straggling village of about 8,000 inhabitants, but almost all the male whites had deserted it. The enemy set fire to the wings of the capitol ; all the interior was destroyed, together with valua- ble papers and the library of Congress, a piece of useless revenge, which only served to rouse to stronger enmity those who still respected the English nation, and to inflame to the utmost the passions of those already sufficiently bitter. Other public buildings were burned, and public papers of great value destroyed ; the office of the "National Intelligencer" ransacked, and its types thrown out into the street, in revenge for strictures upon the conduct of Cockburn. 1 Their further ravages were stopped by a tre- mendous tornado which dispersed the troops, many of whom, seeking refuge where they could, were buried in the ruins of falling buildings. At Green- leaf's Point an explosion took place, which killed or wounded near a hundred British soldiers. The 1 Hildreth. 496 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. commander, alarmed at his position, ordered a silent retreat in the night, leaving his camp fires burning. After four days' uninterrupted march, he reim- barked his forces, diminished by a loss of several hundred men, in killed, wounded, and deserters. Thus ended the famous capture of Washington an event always considered a humiliation to the nation. It was no honor to the captors, since it was obtained without opposition and without result, except to give capital to the war party, and increase their strength. It was a disgrace to the Govern- ment, but they shifted the blame upon General Armstrong, who was made the victim for popular animadversion. CHAPTER XXXI. THREATENED INVASION OF BOSTON. Preparations for Defence. Boston Streets deserted. Fears of In- vasion. Letter from Mrs. Warren. < Alarm at Portsmouth. Terms of Peace. Hartford Convention. Peace. Rejoicings in Boston. Illuminations. Attendance on Governor Brooks. Summoned to his Brother at Foxborough. Last Illness: Exam- ination after Death. Funeral. Character. Conclusion. /~\N the 14th of August, the British proceeded from Castine, where they left a garrison, to Machias, at the same time issuing a proclamation claiming to take possession of all the country east of the Penobscot. This was probably the time in which the militia retreated so hastily through Palmyra, selling their horses as already related. Cochrane had, on his arrival at the Potomac, sent to President Madison a dispatch, in which he de- clared it to be his intention to lay waste the whole of the sea-coast, and destroy the towns that were accessible. It was very evident, not only that the English had a very low opinion of American courage, and they thought to intimidate the Government into suing for peace, but they hoped a great deal from the supposed friendliness of the Federalists at the North and East. To their disappointment, the Federalists were the first and most earnest in their measures for defence all along the coast. In Boston, men of wealth not only came forward with 32 498 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. their means, but together with their children, young men and boys, went to work on the fortifi- cations, going down to the forts, wheeling barrows of earth and other materials, using the spade and shovel, and forwarding in every way the works for giving the enemy a resolute reception. I am not sure that even the ladies did not assist in this manual labor. My father had at once or- dered a United States musket. It was some time before he could get one, but he did not rest easy till he had obtained it ; and I have no doubt, that feeble as he then was, he would have used it, and laid down his life, not only in defence of his fam- ily, but of his native State. Notwithstanding all this energy, it was a gloomy period. Distrust of the Government, which had shown such imbecility at Washington ; the readi- ness with which the militia took to their heels ; the known power of the British nation, now freed from their terrible enemy and rival ; everything looked black, with far more reason than in the worst moment of the late Rebellion. What was predicted here in the commencement of the Re- bellion by some of southern proclivities, had its prototype then. If the grass was not growing be- tween the pavements in School Street, it was not the passing that prevented it. It was like the street of a deserted village. Carts and vehicles of any kind only passed at intervals. It was like Sunday, only without the throng upon the side- walks at church hours. For in 1814, Sunday was the day on which the streets were most thronged FEARS OF INVASION. 499 morning and afternoon at the hours of divine service. At that period the afternoon service was even better attended than the morning, for physi- cians and others, whose necessary occupations or household cares kept them at home in the morn- ing, eagerly availed themselves of the opportu- nity to go in the afternoon. All the family silver and other articles of value were packed ready for instant removal ; the ladies of Dr. Warren's family were sent to stay with dif- ferent friends in the country, and the youngest son sent to Exeter, where he had been staying for some time previous. Dr. John C. Warren was a member of the Cadets. His next brother, Henry, was in the New England Guards, of which I think Charles G. Loring was commander. There was a boy's company for those not old enough for regu- lar military duty. Henry and Charles, the only two at home, worked on the forts. I give an ex- tract from a letter of my mother's, written to me at this time at Exeter, dated October 9th ? 1814 : " The news of to-day is that Lord Hill has left England with ten thousand men. If this is the case, the British, when so strongly reinforced, may make an attack upon us yet this season, though we had begun to feel pretty secure. If they should, they will find us, I trust, pretty well prepared to receive them. A committee of the General Court, appointed for the purpose of considering of ways and means for our defence, made their report yes- terday, recommending a regular army to be raised 500 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. by this State, and a convention to be called and delegates immediately appointed. This report is to be taken into consideration to-morrow. " If this report is accepted, we shall have a force of our own sufficient to repel the enemy, and not be under the necessity of calling upon the militia upon every alarm, to the great detriment of their farms and families. They have behaved remark- ably well, not only in turning out so promptly, but in bearing without complaint the deprivations and hardships necessarily attendant upon the situ- ations of men called together so hastily, without there being time to make the necessary prepara- tions for their comfort. But they begin to look towards home, and say their crops are spoiling for want of hands to gather them in, and that they have passed the time when it was necessary to put in their winter grain, and of course they shall be destitute next season. This must always be the case when we are obliged to depend upon the mi- litia solely for our defence. Whether the General Government will approve of our raising an army of our own, we do not know, and if those who manage these matters for us are of my opinion, they will not trouble themselves much about their approbation. They will not allow us the means of defence, and it is hard if we must not take care of ourselves." Exeter might not have been perfectly safe. I resided in the family of a Colonel who held com- mand under the Governor of the State of the New 18U.] ALAEM AT PORTSMOUTH. 501 Hampshire regiments. Dr. Perry, in the same house, a medical pupil of my father, was surgeon of a regiment. It was here, as in the drafting time of the Rebel- lion, a surgeon had almost enough to do to listen to applications for medical certificates from drafted men. Dr. Perry found that the most of these ap- plications came from men of the war party, though the Federalists preponderated in New Hampshire, and Governor Gilman was a Federalist. One afternoon an alarm was given that the British fleet were coming into Portsmouth. The militia were mustered. The Colonel's house was headquarters. A guard was placed at the doors. There was a universal stir in the town, - a scene similar to that in Fairport so admirably described by Sir Walter Scott in the " Antiquary." I was too young to be conscious of any danger. While the women, indeed, were on their knees praying for the blessing and protection of Providence, the Colonel and other officers were flying about every- where. All was stir and bustle. The jovial Colo- nel seemed in high spirits, and greatly entertained at the many ludicrous events which always occur on such occasions. " Pray, Colonel," said a Major in a mournful voice, " are we to wear our military chapeaux ? " " 0, yes," replied the Colonel, " let us give the British a fair chance at us." The Major probably began to think that it was not quite so nice to be an officer, as he had hitherto thought. He supposed that the enemy would en- deavor to pick off the officers, as a matter of course. 502 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. A dispatch was anxiously awaited from Gov- ernor Oilman, who had hastened to Portsmouth, from his residence in Exeter, as soon as the news of the supposed invasion reached him. There was no telegraph in those days. About ten o'clock, the expected message arrived. A sloop of war had chased in two American fishing vessels, and this had been the cause of the alarm. It was sup- posed to be the pioneer of the British fleet. The militia soon dispersed, and all was quiet. In August, dispatches had been received from Ghent with the terms of peace proposed by the English commissioners. They were such as might naturally be expected in the exulting state of Eng- land, with her great enemy just placed beneath her feet. The Legislature of New York unanimously resolved that the terms were " extravagant and disgraceful." The Legislature of Virginia termed them " arrogant and insulting." Measures were taken in both places for large additional levies of permanent troops, to be clothed, fed, and paid by the United States. Much discretion had been al- lowed to the Democratic Governors, in the control of their State troops. But in New England, the General Government had insisted on the con- trol of all the military movements. These States chose to be officered by their own men, and to retain troops for their own defence. Governor Strong had refused to call out troops on the order of General Dearborn. The Government refused, in consequence, to pay the expense of defending Massachusetts. 1814.] HARTFORD CONVENTION. 503 A joint committee of the Massachusetts Legis- lature stated that no choice was left but submis- sion to the enemy, which was not to be thought of; and the appropriation of revenues raised from her own people, which the General Government thought proper to expend elsewhere. Hence an idea, formerly entertained, of a Convention of the States thus situated, was now revived. My mother often stated that she believed the first idea of the Hartford Convention was'suggested in my father's parlor, where many earnest patriots, already mentioned as members of his club, met almost daily to bring in the news, and confer upon the state of the times. John Quincy Adams, Dr. Welsh, an ardent patriot, and others men of ability and influence the best men of the Federal party, were among these, and of course all the pressing matters of the time were earnestly dis- cussed among them. A telling lie, especially at an election time, will serve a good purpose. It is no matter how promptly and decidedly it may be refuted, it will do to raise up again and again, generation after generation ; those who revive it, trusting that the refutation is forgotten. Thus, the ghost of the Hartford Convention still stalks at times. People who do not know what it was, only believe it was to have been some terrible plot of the Federalists to deliver the country into British hands. So there are probably many at the present moment who believe in the recent unlawful sale of arms to the French ; it only requires to repeat the accusa- 504 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. tion often enough ; the refutation is unread or for- gotten. I have no doubt, from what I myself heard, that there were religious men in New Hampshire and Vermont perhaps also in Massachusetts who reasoned thus : " This war is an unjust one. We are committing a sin in aiding it. He who kills another in an unjust cause commits murder. What shall we do ?" It was answered : " Let us separate our cause from that of the belligerent States. Let us do only what is right and just ; what the doc- trines of Christianity dictate ; and trust to Provi- dence to save us from harm, and keep us from injury and devastation by the enemy." But any cooperation with that enemy any favor towards, or correspondence with them, or making separate terms was never contemplated for a moment. A full history of the Hartford Convention has been given by Mr. Theodore Dwight, and his state- ments have never been refuted. It was a time of great distress in New England. The General Gov- ernment, bent upon conquests in Canada, and offended by the sentiments of her leading men, had abandoned her, and left her coasts unprotected by a single national soldier. A great part of Maine was in the hands of the English, and it was expected that a large expe- dition, formed of proved soldiers, were to embark from the shores of England and Ireland. Governor Strong, by advice of his Council, called the Legislature together to consult for measures of defence, for it was understood that this expedition 1814.] HARTFORD CONVENTION. 505 would be directed against New England, the enemy hoping that they would meet with many to favor the invasion, or at least receive them with luke- .warm measures of hostility. As all the New England States were in a similar condition, it was proposed that delegates should be invited to meet from the different States, to take measures for mutual defence, and the place of meeting was fixed at Hartford. This convention was composed of some of the most earnest and disinterested patriots of New England. It sat with closed doors from the 15th of December, 1814, to the 5th of January, .1815. No information was given by any of its members while sitting, of any of the measures discussed. "Omne ignotum pro terribile" What is unknown is always regarded as terrible, and of evil purport ; and the friends of the Administration were indus- trious in putting the worst construction upon the designs of the Convention, representing them as treasonable in the highest degree. The immediate result of the Convention was an earnest petition to the Government of the United States, that Massachusetts, either separately or in concert with the neighboring States, might be enabled to assume the defence of their territories against the enemy, -and that a reasonable propor- tion of the taxes collected in those States might be appropriated to the purpose, the disbursements so made to be charged to the United States. This winter was the darkest period of the war. The high price of food and clothing produced great 506 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. distress, while the constant fear of seeing an enemy land on our coast kept all the inhabitants in a state of alarm. But there was no friendliness towards the English. Those most strongly opposed to the war were the most earnest in measures of defence for their shores and their homes. The atrocities committed where the enemy had landed, shew that civilization had not lessened the horrors of inva- sion, or mitigated the violence of a soldiery once abandoned to unrestrained plunder and destruction. The delegates to this Convention, with the ex- ception of three individuals, were chosen by the Legislatures of the different States. Among those from Massachusetts were George Cabot, Nathan Dane, William Prescott, Harrison Gray Otis, Joseph Lyman, etc., men of the highest standing in the community. Theodore Dwight, in his History of the Hartford Convention, has not only vindicated the patriotism and wisdom of the members who composed it, but fully substantiated its importance and good effect. " All his positions," says Mr. Sullivan, " are sus- tained by a clear and cogent course of argument, which, while it confers a lasting honor on the writer, will carry conviction to all honest and im- partial minds in generations to come." Such is the undoubted truth ; but yet the name of Hartford Convention has been used ever since that time and probably for years to come will be used for partisan purposes as something un- known and horrible, enveloping those who origi-. nated or composed it in a cloud of treason. 1 1 See Holmes' Annals, and. Encyclopedia Americana, vol.xii., p. 421. 1814.] HARTFORD CONVENTION. 507 Rev. Dr. Holmes speaks of it as inspiriting the people, and giving rise to a bill in Congress for assuming the expense of troops to be raised by the separate States. On the 8th of January, the successful battle of New Orleans was fought, which was the first gleam of sunshine which broke through the dark clouds which had overshadowed the country. The commissioners appointed by the Convention had, however, barely arrived in Washington, when the news of peace was received there. It had been concluded at Ghent, on the 24th of December, 1814. In this treaty, all the grounds for which the war was undertaken were left unsettled. The diplomatic instructions to the ambassadors had dwindled down from high demands to the simple order to make peace. Mr. Sullivan says : " Peace was made ; and nothing else was made, during the two years that preceded it, but distress, calamity, and debt." It had been proved, indeed, that Americans could fight, and fight well, under proper circumstances. The news of peace was received all over the country with a universal delirium of joy. Both Federalists and Democrats united to swell the gen- eral acclamation ; and had it been attended with the conquest of the hostile country, and the entire concession of every point contended for, the joy could not have been greater. The war party had felt the real sufferings and deprivations which a protracted war produces ; the cessation of all for- eign imports, upon which we were then greatly 508 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. . [ AGE 61. dependent, the high prices of food and clothing, the utter stagnation of all kinds of business ; to all this was added the knowledge that England, having overcome her powerful enemy in Europe, was left at liberty to send her best troops to America, which was left entirely alone in the contest. Was it prob- able, that she would conclude a peace without striking a heavy blow at the nation who had taken advantage of her situation to attack her while en- gaged with a nation so formidable ? While the people were suffering under the dep- rivations of war, the Government were in the ut- most perplexity. It was, therefore, almost with incredulity that the news of peace was received. The Government were relieved from a heavy re- sponsibility, while the people, who were still exult- ing over the victory of New Orleans, combined that event with the treaty of peace, and believed it was somehow the result of that success. In the subsequent rejoicings, bales of cotton were carried in triumphal procession, they having been used as ramparts in the defence of New Orleans. The 22cl of February, Washington's birthday, was selected as a day for the celebration of the great event. A large triumphal procession was formed in Boston ; all the trades and societies were separately invited to meet and join. In the even- ing there was to be a general illumination. It was at first intended that it should be universal the whole population should be invited to illuminate. The town authorities, fearing that in the enthusiasm of the moment any persons not disposed to illumi- 1815.] ILLUMINATIONS. 509 nate might be badly treated, or have their win- dows broken (the orthodox way of treating such cases), published a notice, warning the inhabitants that it should not be expected of all. Some might have sickness or death in their houses ; many might have suffered too much from the war, and be too poor to illuminate ; consideration was asked for all such cases. It was finally concluded that it would be most prudent to confine the illumination to public build- ings only. Members of all the trades, mechanical occupa- tions, and of the different societies, were assigned places of meeting to form for the procession. They each carried implements, or emblems and banners, designating their trades. The truckmen brought up the rear with an elegant team of seventeen horses, drawing a sled loaded with bales of New Orleans cotton. At half past nine, public services commenced in the Stone Chapel. A Te Deum was sung, and other appropriate services and hymns were per- formed. There was a public dinner at the Exchange Coffee House, a place of a good deal of importance in those days, as the centre of business and the principal public house. In the evening, fireworks were exhibited, and the illumination took place. The whole State House was brilliantly illuminated. Situated upon the commanding eminence it holds, the effect of the illumination, if fully carried out, must have been magnificent. Probably the expense has de- 510 LIFE OP DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. terred a repetition of this display at any subsequent period. It was suggested by the late Rev. Wil- liam Ware, the author of " Zenobia," that a most magnificent effect might be produced by the illu- mination of the exterior of the State House, in the same manner in which the Church of St. Peter's, at Rome, is illuminated. The streets were blocked up by an unusual quantity of snow, which was a reason given by the Selectmen for confining the illumination to private houses, the danger of fire in the impeded state of the streets, being considered very formidable. Dr. Latimer's house, in North Square, was brilliantly illuminated with transparencies, etc. These trans- parencies, here and elsewhere, formed the most pleasing part of the show. My father, then sixty-two years of age, but in feeble health and with a broken down constitution, could not be prevented from walking out to witness the illumination. I accompanied him, and he flat- tered me (then a boy of eleven) that I supported his feeble steps, and prevented him from slipping upon the ice. We went through the principal streets, finding the transparencies abundant, and all the signs of universal rejoicing. He was greatly pleased. " Now," said he, on his return home, " now let me depart in peace, for I have seen the salvation of my country." Notwithstanding the feebleness of his health, Dr. Warren had been as active as ever in the discharge of his professional duties. In this winter he was called upon to attend in consultation Governor 1815.] ATTENDANCE ON GOVERNOR BROOKS. 511 Brooks, who was dangerously ill at his residence in Medford. Governor Brooks was the successor of Governor Strong. " Notwithstanding the pressure of his business and the state of his health, which was then quite feeble, urged on by friendship for Governor Brooks, and his sense of the value of his life to the community, he contrived to visit him once and sometimes twice every day while his severe illness lasted. Governor Brooks' situation was such as to make it necessary to adopt some decisive remedy, and an application of tobacco was made, of which, as the success was uncertain and as it was the last resort, the operation was awaited by Dr. Warren with intense anxiety. His delight was proportionable in finding it take a favorable turn. Governor Brooks recovered. " About this time, on returning home one day towards evening, he found a letter from Fox- borough, about twenty-five miles from Boston, stating that his brother, who resided there, had dislocated his shoulder three days before, and that the neighboring practitioners had not been able to reduce it. He immediately ordered a carriage to carry him there. On his family urging him, on account of his own ill health, to wait till morning and take some rest, he replied, ( it would be like resting on a bed of coals,' and set out without delay. " As soon as he arrived there he commenced his operations. He made several unsuccessful attempts with the pulleys. After trying an hour or two he 512 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 61. desisted, and said he would try again in the morn- ing. On retiring, he expressed to his student, who was with him, his great anxiety about his brother. He neither undressed nor slept that night, but spent it principally in walking about the room in great agitation. Before morning, he caused the family to be roused to make another attempt. In this, after an hour or more, he succeeded. For a short time afterwards he was in great spirits, but soon after getting into his sleigh to return home, seemed to sink from exhaustion. He, however, proceeded to Boston, and without resting, resumed his visits to his patients." l While he was laboring under severe illness and confined to the house, he was sent for by his friend Dr. Dexter, who was very ill. Despite of all the remonstrances of his wife and family, he would not refuse the summons, though entirely unfit to go out, and he must have been convinced that he did so at the peril of his life. The result was a severe aggravation of his disease. Dr. Jackson, who attended him in consultation with his son, Dr. J. C. Warren, has given, in a note t to his Eulogy, a detailed account of his disease, which I copy in full : * " Dr. Warren was, from the age of thirty, occa- sionally affected with an uneasiness in the breast, which he sometimes thought would prove fatal at an early period of life. He was also subject to paroxysms of sick headache, occurring about once 1 Thaclier's Medical Biography. Art. written by Henry Warren. 1815.] LAST ILLNESS. 513 in a month, which continued till the beginning of the year 1804. At this time he had a severe spas- modic affection of the bowels, which recurred at different times during the space of three months. In the year 1811, a slight paralytic affection of the right side came on, and never completely disap- peared. After the last attack, the symptoms of uneasiness in the breast increased in the frequency of their appearance, and in their severity. During the last winter they appeared with a frequency and severity which was very alarming. These attacks seemed to be caused by colds ; they generally took place at one or two o'clock in the morning, and lasted two or three hours, unless previously relieved by opium. The principal symptom which attended them was the sensation of a cord across the breast, and a consequent dread of suffocation, which pro- duced great agitation and distress. " In February and the beginning of March, 1815, he underwent great fatigue and exposure, and sub- sequently became feeble and dispirited, and had frequent attacks of his complaint. On the 22d of March, he went out as usual in the morning, but in the evening he was attacked with febrile symptoms, and in the night had a paroxysm of dyspnoea. The febrile symptoms continuing the next day, he took an emetic, and appeared better on Friday and Sat- urday ; and on the last of these days, having a particular desire to go out, he visited some patients, and passed the afternoon in business at home. In the night his complaint returned, and on the next morning appeared alarming, the pulse being quick 33 514 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [ AGE 62. and very hard, tongue foul, with a fixed pain on the right side, laborious respiration, and an occa- sional cough. He had an emetic, a blister on the side, and commenced a course of calomel and opium ; but notwithstanding these remedies, the nightly paroxysm was more distressing than any he had ever experienced ; nor did he get relieved till after a copious bleeding and repeated doses of opium. The bleeding reduced the hardness of the pulse, and appeared to prevent the recurrence of severe paroxysms of dyspnoea, but the debility which began to appear prevented its repetition. In the two or three following days, the most dis- tressing and urgent symptoms gradually . lessened, but the functions of all the organs appeared to be irrecoverably deranged. The pulsations of the heart became irregular and occasionally intermittent; the circulation in the left arm was peculiarly disor- dered; the stomach loathed all kind of nourish- ment; the intestines were affected with a diarrhoea which could not be checked without being followed by great uneasiness in the breast. The lungs ap- peared to be in a constant state of oppression, and were filled with mucus, except when the cough and expectoration produced a temporary relief. The functions of the brain were not less impaired ; a kind of stupor existed, except when it was inter- rupted by a fit of distress, and then an unnatural sensibility and irritability appeared. In the even- ing of April 3, a very distressing fit of pain and difficult breathing came on, and at last became so excessive that he requested an opening might be 1815.] LAST ILLNESS. 515 made in the right side, probably with the idea that pus or water might be discharged. This pain was relieved by the application of hot tincture of can- tharides and a moderate dose of laudanum, after which the night was passed with tolerable tranquil- lity. At seven in the morning of the fourth, he inquired the hour ; then remained quiet, in a few minutes began to breathe more slowly, and almost imperceptibly expired without any struggle or groan." Disease of long standing was found existing in the main vessel of the heart, and there were ex- tensive adhesions of the lungs, which must have been of long duration. Acute inflammation of the latter organs was also discovered, and this was probably the immediate cause of death. Dr. Warren's life was not a long one, but it was crowded with events, and with hard work. At sixty-two he had the appearance of quite an old man. He was repeatedly urged by his family to retire from his profession, but he steadily refused. Besides the natural unwillingness of a physician to give up the charge of those whose health has been to him the object of solicitude for many years, and the interchange of friendly feeling that this charge produces, he always felt that the uncer- tainty of property in troubled times might depre- ciate or destroy what he had accumulated, and the welfare of his family depended upon his continued exertions. The period of his compelled inactivity was short. As we have seen, he visited and re- ceived patients on the 23d and 24th of March, and died on the 4th of April. 516 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AoE 62. Perhaps it may be interesting to some persons to have an account of the ceremonies at the funeral of a Professor of Anatomy, sixty years ago. It is true that Harvard College was then considered a much more important part of the State than now. " At a meeting of the President and Fellows of Harvard College, 5th April, 1815, " Dr. John Warren, Hersey Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, having departed this life on the 4th inst., and the Council of the Massachusetts Medical Society having taken measures for expressing their sense of the virtues and great services of the de- ceased, and their committee having kindly com- municated the arrangements made to this Board, invite the University to concur in such manner as may be desired. " Voted, That the members of this Board, sympa- thizing with the family of the deceased, with his professional brethren, and with the community, in the loss of one so greatly and justly beloved and honored, and impressed with the recollection of his signal ability, assiduity, and usefulness in his office in the University, with which he was more than thirty years connected, are desirous of uniting in the funeral observances to be performed. " Voted, That the Corporation entirely concur in the selection of Dr. Jackson to pronounce a eu- logy, and in the rites proposed ; and that the same be attended by the Corporation, the Professors, and other officers of instruction and government, with the resident graduates and the members of the 1815.] FUNERAL. 517 senior class ; and that a public invitation be given to the Hon. and Rev. the Overseers, and to the med- ical graduates of the University, to be present. " Voted, That the President and Treasurer be a Committee, to join with a Committee of the Coun- sellors of the Massachusetts Medical Society, to carry into effect their votes. " JOHN T. KIRKLAND, President." The eulogy was delivered in the Stone Chapel, from which a procession was formed in the follow- ing order : Members of the Senior Class in Harvard University. Students in Medicine. Resident Graduates of the University. Graduates and Licentiates in Medicine. Fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Immediate Government of Harvard University. Bearers (Corpse) Bearers. The Family. Corporation and Overseers of Harvard University. Members of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Members of the Humane Society. The Reverend Clergy. Citizens. / / Sixty years ago hearses had not been introduced. The coffin was carried upon a bier covered with a black pall with six tassels, which were held by six friends of the deceased, walking! on each side. The procession passed from the dhapel, through Common Street, to the burial groi of the Common, to the family tomb, then occu- nd at the foot 518 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 62. pied only by the remains of General Warren, Quaco, the black man, who was drowned in the Mill Pond? and the children who had died in infancy. The eulogy by Dr. Jackson was very eloquent and appreciative. On the following Sunday an able sermon was delivered in Brattle Street Church by the Rev. Joseph McKean, of Harvard College. Subsequently the fraternity of Freemasons were called together, and full Masonic rites, with all the "pomp and circumstance" befitting the funeral solemnities of their grand master. A eulogy was delivered by his former pupil, Dr. Josiah Bartlett. There is little left to say. The prominent char- acteristic of Dr. Warren, as shown by almost every act in his life, was his utter and entire forgetfulness of self. He was at all times utterly regardless of danger for himself. " Danger for a friend," says one of his biographers, " seemed to shake his whole frame. The idea of pain to any one in whom he took interest caused him more suffering than the reality did them. His whole 'soul was open to the feelings of his patients. He felt their afflictions and gave them his warmest sympathy, and his sympathy was repaid by their gratitude and affec- tion. The same susceptibility gave a spring to his exertions in everything he undertook. What he thought his duty he entered upon with all his might, allowing himself no rest, night or day, until it was concluded." In a letter to a medical editor, his son Dr. J. C. Warren, testifies : " My father, who preceded me, was a much better surgeon than myself." He no- 1815.] CONCLUSION. 519 tices particularly his successful performance of the operation for cataract in many cases an opera- tion which, when successful, obtains and deserves so much gratitude. He also testifies to the great extent of his father's practice, such that nothing but the extreme rapidity with which he took in at a glance the condition of his patient, and with which he made his visits, could have enabled him to accomplish. Had his inclination induced him, or his medical oc- cupations permitted, he was forbidden by the rules of his professorship from holding any civil office. As already seen, he was an active member of the American Academy ; he took an ardent interest in the Humane Society, of which he was some years president; equally so in the Howard Benevolent Society, and was a member of the Agricultural Society, etc. Several biographical notices of Dr. Warren have appeared one by Dr. John C. Warren, in Rees' u Cyclopaedia " ; another, by Henry Warren, in Thacher's " Medical Biography," written with great ability, and remarkable for the great skill in which a great deal of matter is compressed into a few pages j an equally able one, prepared by Dr. Buck- minster Brown, for Gross' "Medical Biography," and one in Loring's "One Hundred Boston Orators." Henry Warren was also the author of the "Me- moir of General Joseph Warren," published in Rees' " Cyclopaedia." Dr. Warren left nine children, five sons and 520 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. [AGE 62. four daughters, of whom one of the latter married Dr. John Gorham, already mentioned as professor of chemistry ; another, Dr. John B. Brown, of Boston. APPENDIX. A CHARGE DELIVERED ON THE FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, 1782. BY JOHN WARREN, ESQ., S. W. M. AFTER A SERMON BY JOHN ELIOT, A. M. WORTHY AND BELOVED BRETHREN : A FTER so sensible and pertinent a discourse as ^*" we have just heard from the lips of our Learned and Reverend Brother, any additional charge for enforcing an obedience to the Divine precepts of our Craft may appear totally super- fluous ; but as the application was intended to ex- cite the same benevolent affections in the breasts of others which do (or ought to) actuate the members of our honorable Fraternity, a special address to the Lodges this day assembled has been directed, for the purpose of inculcating the observance of the rules and regulations prescribed them in their most ex- cellent constitutions as the most effectual means of causing the influence of that marvellous light, to which they have been introduced, so to "shine before men, that they seeing their good works," may be constrained to revere an institution that does honor to human nature, by meliorating the heart, 522 APPENDIX. enlightening the understanding, and reforming the lives of its followers. As little is to be expected from the pursuits of men who are not fully persuaded of the real worth and importance of their objects ; so unless the in- estimable value and utility of Masonry 1 be duly demonstrated and forcibly impressed upon the mind of every Brother, we shall in vain look for those distinguishing virtues which our royal institution is so amply calculated to produce. It would be idle to dwell upon arguments of this kind for the conviction of such as have made any considerable proficiency in the study of it, as their own experience has furnished them with the most incontestible proof of its value ; but as the more sublime accomplishments are not to be acquired but by time and industry, an improved and well culti- vated taste alone can excite us to those exertions which are requisite in so arduous an undertaking. We need but advert to the wants and necessities attendant upon human life, for the origin of an Art that is every way adapted to the purpose of diminishing them ; weak and helpless as we are, as individuals, the comfort and security of each must essentially depend upon the labors and inventions of the whole. The maledictory sentence pronounced upon the first parent of the human race, " in the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread," has been greatly mitigated by the almost infinite variety of means that have been, in different ages of the world, discovered to facilitate the performance of the task assigned us. An inquiry into the proper- A CHARGE. 523 ties and affections of matter, has produced the in- vestigation of those laws in mechanics, which duly applied have afforded us convenient places of hab- itation, a shelter from the insults of inclement sea- sons, and opened a commercial and friendly inter- course between the remotest nations of the globe. By the Art of Building, the human race has been once preserved from total ruin and destruction. When an incensed Deity had determined to pour his vengeance on a guilty world, a safe asylum was provided for the masonic family of Noah; and whilst a terrible inundation was sweeping away whole nations of the polluted children of men, securely lodged within the sacred ark, they rode triumphant on the dreadful surface of an angry deep, and sup- ported by the same Almighty Being who dictated the means of preservation, they braved the horrors of the midnight tempest till safely landed at the destined period, on the ever memorable mountain pre- pared them by their Sovereign Master. The condescension of an Omnipotent Being, in deigning to converse with man, and giving the most minute and exact directions for building Him a temple, has stamped an everlasting dignity upon the Craft. That astonishing edifice which was con- secrated as an habitation for the divine glory, was erected under the immediate inspection of God Himself, and the symbolical allusions contained in the plan of it are thoroughly known and compre- hended by every true and perfect Brother. The principles of Geometry, established in the eternal order of things 2 by the great Jehovah, were 524 APPENDIX. in the creation of the world by Him applied to the proper object of that science. The ravishing dis- play of beauty and proportion which the august scenery of nature has opened to our view, were upon those principles educed from chaos and con- fusion, 3 and the utility of them has been practically acknowledged from Adam to us, as being derived from Him " who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." An art so useful in the common purposes of life, an art to which we owe the preservation of our species from perdition ; in fine, an art which has so remarkably engaged the attention of the Omnis- cient Mind, can need no further arguments to rec- ommend it to the esteem of every judicious and sensible Free Mason. Wherever we turn our eyes whether to survey the unnumbered worlds that roll along the azure arch of heaven, and to descry the order and har- mony of their respective tracts and revolutions, or more humbly advert to the variety of substances furnished, in such an infinite diversity of forms, by the globe we inhabit the wisdom and goodness we discover in their author must fill the human mind with rapture and surprise, and enkindle within us the most ardent desire (so far as the weakness of our constitutions will admit) of imitating those per- fections from which they all proceed. This exquisite order and relation of things in the A CHARGE. 525 natural world, are to be considered as bearing an analogical reference to the moral. The material objects that present themselves to our senses are the types of ideas preexisting in the mind of the Supreme Being. Our ideas, therefore, of beauty, harmony, and proportion, arising from the contem- plation of the systems that surround us, must be in some degree correspondent to those of their divine author. For as the sovereign Creator of the uni- verse must, previous to the exertion of his creative power, have conceived of a certain fitness in par- ticular dispositions of matter to answer the ends designed, and must have adopted that one which of all possible systems was the best, therefore, it follows that the order and constitution of the things which are seen are the images and representations of the infinite source of harmony and proportion^ From these attributes of the Deity we may directly infer that the same principles prevail in the imma- terial and moral world. One of the most extensive laws of matter is that of gravitation, and the action of this power is most conspicuously directed towards the greatest body, equally within the sphere of attraction ; so the most extensive principle of spirit is that of approaching towards the great centre of light and perfection:' The sun is the grand luminary to which our whole system is perpetually gravitating, and the beauty and even existence of this system depends upon a mutual attraction between the bodies that compose it. The principle analogous to this in the moral 526 APPENDIX. world is that universal benevolence which takes in the whole scale of animate beings for its object. 6 A mutual sympathy, especially between creatures constituted by the same hand, with the same wants and destined to the same ends, 7 is, when the mind is divested of prejudice, as natural an affection of intelligent beings as gravitation is of matter. The various passions of the human breast may, by an undue operation, divert the direction of this principle from the only course in which true hap- piness consists ; but as the nice adjustment of pro- portion between the protective and attractive powers of the heavenly bodies is rendered conducive to their beauty and preservation, so our passions, prop- erly controlled by the exercise of our rational fact ulties, instead of interrupting the harmony of the soul, may become highly subservient thereto. 8 'Tis the business of a free and accepted Mason to reduce them to subjection, to square his life by the rules of reason and religion, to live within compass ivith all mankind ; and by his own example to rec- ommend the divine principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. A building, however beautiful the materials, unless the parts are nicely adapted to each other, must be but very imperfect, and without a connecting medium to retain them in union, must shortly fall to ruin and decay; so unless we cheerfully conform to the objects of each other's happiness, and connect ourselves by the cementing principles of brotherly love, we shall fall an easy and unpitied prey to the destroying ills of life. A CHARGE. 527 Cheerily ! Friendship, dost thou enable us to travel the rough and thorny paths of our terrestrial pilgrimage. Lonely and solitary should we pass an uncomfortable vale of tears without thee ; nor would even these enchanting beauties of creation be able to excite a single smile. A bosom glowing with universal good will to men is the native soil of every genuine and social virtue. The heart that does not feel its influence and energy is a real monster, and utterly unworthy of our esteem and confidence. And let me here particularly caution the fair who have this day honored us with their presence to avoid and detest the man who wears it, as incapable of entertaining those finer feelings of the soul which a real passion and sincere attach- ment are calculated to excite. A Free and Accepted Mason can never be insensible to the charms of that part of our species without which the globe itself would be to us a void; nor can we forbear to avow the regret we feel in being deprived of their society in our lodges ; but as it would give us infinite pain to see that tender sex encountering the fatigues and labors of the masonic art? we console ourselves with bestowing upon them the fruits arising from our toils and indus- try, and it will suffice to observe, that they too well know the relation subsisting between friendship and love ; and are too sensible that a heart which is enraptured with the symmetry of nature cannot be callous to the more captivating charms of mental vir- tue, to admit of a belief that want of confidence in them induced their exclusion. 528 APPENDIX. To conform the heart and manners to the refined sentiments of a virtuous mind ; to warm the soul with the real feelings of humanity ; in fine, to merit the esteem and favor of the fair ; to soothe their cares and mitigate their pains, are amongst the great objects of our noble institution; and it is a sacred truth that the more sublime the degrees to which we attain in Free Masonry, the more highly shall we admire their excellences, and the more zealously employ our efforts in their service. Who is there, then, that is fully convinced of the truths I have advanced, and does not feel the strongest inclination to become a proficient in so useful an art ? As the most efficacious means for promoting that end, I shall subjoin a word of ad- vice to you, my much esteemed brethren of the craft. Above all things, let me seriously and solemnly recommend to you, my brethren, a constant and punctual attendance upon the summonses of the lodge. However light we may conceive the crime of remissness in this respect, we are most certainly highly culpable in suffering the commission of it. 'Tis impossible to construct a building "fitly framed together," without a due correspondence with each other; and as no place is so proper for the communication of the mysteries of the craft, as a regular lodge, we should industriously improve every opportunity afforded for this purpose. The Constitutions of Free Masonry are perhaps the most admirably adapted to the promotion of regularity and harmony in a society, that were ever invented by human sagacity. A strict attention to A CHARGE. 529 them, therefore, is our indispensable duty ; and as it can never fail to produce the greatest advantage to every individual, as well as to the craft at large, it is also our true and greatest interest and honor. In justice to the fraternity in general, it must be observed, that however a few individuals may have disgraced their characters, no body of men were ever assembled together for social purposes who ob- served a greater degree of decency and decorum at their meetings than Free and Accepted Masons. That we may still continue to merit this enco- mium, let us be carefully attentive to the admission of candidates, and let no considerations whatever engage us to introduce to our lodge a man of base and sordid principles. He who is in a state of slavery to his passions or maimed and deformed by the confirmed habitudes of vice, as he never can be SL free, so ought he never to be an accepted Mason ; and the same caution should be used to avoid con- ferring any promotion in degrees, but after due pro- bation, trial, and examination. By a proper attention to the regulations of our society, we shall be taught also to revere and re- spect those of our brethren whom we have dignified with the badges of the highest offices in the lodge ; to their exertions we owe the establishment of the ancient lodyc situated in this place, after the ravages of war had for a considerable time interrupted the social and edifying intercourse of the brethren; and under the auspices of our most ivorshipful Brother who now fills the chair of Solomon, we have seen it, like the ashes of the Phoenix, renew its beauty 34 530 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. and flourishing in all its pristine dignity and glory, Long may he continue to govern and instruct these lodges, and see them emulate his zeal. To conclude ; may the great Architect of Na- ture and the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe ever preside in our assemblies; and whilst we sit around the social hoard in celebration of this annual festival, may peace, and harmony, and myrth abound : " For God is paid when man receives. To enjoy is to obey" AN ORATION, DELIVERED JULY 4, 1783. A T a meeting of the Freeholders and other in- "^^ habitants of the Town of Boston, duly quali- fied and legally warned, in Public Town Meeting assembled, July 5, 1783 : Voted, That John Scollay, Esq., Harbottle Dorr, Esq., Mr. Thomas Grenough, Ezekiel Price, Esq., Capt. William Mackay, Tuthill Hubbart, Esq., and David Jeffries, Esq., the Selectmen, be a committee to wait on Dr. John Warren, and in the name of the Town to thank him for the learned and elegant ORATION delivered by him yesterday at the request of the Town, upon the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, in which, according to the intention of the Town, he considered the Feelings, Manner, and Principles which led to this great National event, and to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press. Attest, WILLIAM COOPER, Town Cleric. GENTLEMEN : On condition that the honesty of my intentions and the warmth of my feelings on the important event, which was the subject of this oration, may be admitted to atone for the imperfections of the performance, I deliver a copy of it for the Press. I am, with the greatest respect, Your obedient servant, JOHN WARREN. FATHERS, BRETHREN, AND FELLOW CITIZENS : To mark with accuracy and precision the prin- ciples from which the great and important trans- actions on the theatre of the political world origin- 532 ' LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. ate, is an indispensable duty, not only of legislators, but of every subject of a free State. Fraught with the most instructive lessons on the passions that actuate the human breast, the inquiry is amply adapted to the purpose of regulating the social con- cerns of life. The law and penalties by which subjects are compelled to promote the general interests of a community, should ever be instituted with a special reference to these principles, and the greatest per- fection of human government consists in the ju- diciousness of this application. The constitution, or frame of government, in a republican State, is circumscribed by barriers, which the ambitious or designing cannot easily re- move, without giving the alarm to those whose privileges might be infringed by the innovation ; but that the principles of administration may be grossly corrupted, that the people may be abused and enslaved under the best of constitutions, is a truth to which the annals of the world may be ad- duced to bear a melancholy attestation. So silently have the advances of arbitrary power been made, that a community has often been on the verge of misery and servitude, whilst all was calm and tranquil in the State. To revert to first principles is so essentially req- uisite to public happiness and safety, that Polybius has laid it down as an incontrovertible axiom that every state must decline more or less rapidly, in proportion as she recedes from the principles on which she was founded. 10 AN ORATION. 533 That virtue is the true principle of republican governments n has been sufficiently proved by the ablest writers on the subject; and that whereas other forms of government may be supported without her, yet that in this she is absolutely neces- sary to their existence. A general prevalence of that love for our coun- try, which teaches us to esteem it glorious to die in her defence, is the only means of perpetuating the enjoyment of that liberty and security, for the support of which all government was originally intended. Laws and punishments are but the ensigns of human depravity ; to render them as few as the public safety will admit, is the study of every wise, humane legislature. 12 The happy instances of this noble passion, by precluding the necessity of a multiplicity of laws, will free a people from those spectacles of misery and horror, which the penal- ties annexed to the breach of them must inevitably create. The contempt of dangers, and of death, when liberty was the purchase, has been the means of elevating to the highest pitch of glory those famed republics of antiquity, which later ages have con- sidered as the models of political perfection. In- structed from early infancy to deem themselves the property of the State, they were ever ready to sacrifice their concerns to her interests. " Dear to us," says the eloquent Cicero, " dear to us are our parents, dear are our children, our neighbors and associates; but above all things, dear is our coun- 534 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. try." 13 The injuries that are done to an individual are limited ; those to a community may involve millions in destruction." " It is impossible not to love a patriot ; it is only loving him who loves us." 14 It is impossible not to be charmed with the influence of those divine sen- timents, which induced the brave Decii to devote themselves to certain death, that they might insure the Roman armies victory and glory. The celebrated story of the two Carthaginian brethren, who consented to be buried alive, to in- crease the boundaries of their country, shows to what an enthusiastic height this virtue may be carried. Amongst the Spartans, to return from the field of battle with or upon their shields, was equally glorious, and subject of joy and acclamation ; to escape without them, an indelible mark of infamy and disgrace. From public spirit proceeds almost every other virtue. The man who would willingly die to save his country, would surely sacrifice his fortune and possessions to secure her peace and happiness. The noble examples of frugality which were exhibited in the conduct of the Spartan governors, who began the reformation of the state by delivering up their own private property, to convince the citizens that their intentions were sincere, is a proof how much it may be made to triumph over avarice and self- ishness. The Thebans, under the matchless Epaminondas, when they were deserted by their allies and re- AN ORATION. 535 duced to the greatest extremities, were, by the wise example of their general, and frequent skir- mishes with the enemy, inspired with a spirit of enterprise and bravery, which at length enabled them to vanquish thrice their number of Lacedae- monian troops, and having slain their general, to march in hostile array to the very gates of Sparta. These are the principles which have more or less animated the subjects of every state that has ar- rived at any considerable degree of opulence and grandeur ; and it is of the greatest use to observe how others have gradually crept into governments, and suppressed or eradicated the public virtue of a people. Alas ! to what amounts the summit of all human greatness! Sparta, the nurse of heroes and legis- lators ; Athens, the seat of arts and sciences ; Car- thage, the mart of all the trading nations; and even Rome, the haughty mistress of the world, have all long since been levelled with the dust ! Of all the states and cities of the globe that have ex- perienced the like catastrophe, scarce can we men- tion one that has not met her ruin in a forgetful- ness of those fundamental principles on which her happiness depended. So nearly is the most prosperous condition of a people allied to decay and ruin, that even this flat- tering appearance conceals the 15 seeds that must finally produce her destruction. The object of public virtue is to secure the liber- ties of the community. A security of liberty admits of every man's pursuing, without molesta- 536 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. tion, the measures most likely to increase his ease, and to place him in a state of independent affluence. Nothing is more conducive to these ends than a free and unlimited commerce, the encouragement of which is undoubtedly the duty of the Common- wealth ; and the feelings of humanity are, in a general sense, highly interested in the prosecution of it. Commercial intercourse and connection have perhaps contributed more towards checking the effusion of blood than all the obligations of morality and religion, in their usual state of debility, could ever have effected. 16 The ideas of conquest and destruction amongst the ancients were commonly comprehended under the same term, and torrents of human blood have been shed to gratify a spirit of revenge. In latter times, the views of almost every powerful nation with whom civilization has been the effect of trade, have been directed to the support of that political balance, upon which this intercourse depends. In the quarrel between the Swedes and Danes, a short time previous to the restoration of Charles the Second of England, and again in the reign of William the Third, the Dutch and the English sent their fleets into the Baltic, to prevent those incon- veniences that would have resulted to the com- merce of the maritime powers had either of those kingdoms been destroyed ; and the same thing has taken place in the general wars against France. 17 Considered, then, as an instrument for lessening the calamities of war, humanity must ever exult in AN ORATION. 537 the countenance given to trade. The immediate effect of it, when extensive, is usually an augmen- tation of wealth ; but as it is generally impossible for every subject to acquire a great degree of opu- lence, the riches of the state become accumulated in the coffers of a few. 18 The passions of the great almost invariably extend to the body of the people, who, to gratify an unbounded thirst for gain, are ready to sacrifice any other blessing to that which in any degree furnishes them with the means of imitating their superiors. Bribery and venality, the grand engines of slavery, have been called in to the assistance of the aspiring nobles, who, in this case, never fail to make the deluded people pay them the full price of their prostitution. This accession of power, acquired by the consent of the people themselves, enables their governors to assume the reins of absolute control, to burst all the bounds of social obligation, and finally to extort by violence what formerly they were obliged to purchase. Accustomed to a habit of sloth and idle- ness, the subjects are rendered too effeminate to apply themselves to labor and fatigue ; or if they do it, are soon discouraged by the rapaciousness of their rulers ; a spirit of faction and uneasiness be- comes generally prevalent. Impressed with that awful respect with which the trappings of wealth universally inspire a people that have been accus- tomed to view it as the measure of human felicity, they are too pusillanimous to relieve themselves from their burden by a united effort of the whole, 19 and the only object of intestine commotion is the 538 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. plunder of the rich, that they may sell the acquisi- tion to the highest bidder. Insurrections of this kind are most commonly easily suppressed, and further impositions are forever the consequence. The extortion exercised on the earnings of the laborer is an effectual check upon the pursuit of agriculture. 20 Population universally in a great measure proportionable thereto, being by this means limited and discouraged, the number of sub- jects, the real source of health and support, daily diminishes, till at length they fall an easy prey to the first despot, whether foreign or domestic, who offers them the yoke. Such is the fatal operation of luxury, almost invariably the consequence of unbounded wealth. 21 The Carthaginians, says Montague, 22 stand single upon the records of history, the only people in the universe upon whom immense wealth has never been able to work its usual effects; but even in this instance it may perhaps reasonably be ques- tioned, whether the factions that prevented the illustrious Hannibal from entering the gates of Rome, whilst he had filled that city with terror and dismay, were not the effect of opulence and loss of public virtue ? The introduction of wealth in the Roman republic is dated at the conquest of Antio- chus the Great, and the era of corruption from the same memorable period. What sluices of depravity and misery did they not open in the State ! That senate which once resembled an assembly of kings, whose rigid faith had rendered them the objects of universal veneration, whilst frugality and patriotism AN ORATION. 539 were held in estimation, can now meanly stoop to avail themselves of a quibble in the terms of a treaty, to destroy a city they had pledged their honor to preserve. That senate, from which a single deputy had once caused a mighty monarch to tremble and obey, and barely by the motion of his cane obliged him, at the head of a victorious army, to resign his conquest, can now condescend to flatter the vilest passions, and bear to be insulted with the most humiliating usage without daring to murmur or complain. The unparalleled usurpations of Sylla, Marius, and Caesar, are but variegated forms in which are exhibited the baneful effects of that adulatory sub- mission with which a base, degenerate, and cor- rupted people have become the instruments of tyr- anny and murder. The bloody proscriptions and licensed executions of those pests of the human race, which have disgraced the Roman name, were generally accompanied with the thanks of the Senate. Jugurtha, that infamous Numidian Prince, who ungratefully murdered the children of his benefactor, in this corrupted age of the republic secures himself from the punishment due to his crimes by bribing his judges, and by the same means enables himself to enter the Roman camp, and make that army, whose force he once had dreaded, submit to pass the yoke, the most igno- minious punishment that could have been inflicted. The Roman Provinces would never so generally have submitted to the impositions of their rapacious governors had not the minds of the people been 540 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. prepared for them by their participation in the manners of the citizens. When once a state has arrived to this extreme degree of corruption, nothing short of a miracle can wrest it from destruction. Luxury and venality become a branch of education ; and as nothing can operate so strongly on the minds of youth as exam- ples set by parental authority, 23 the evil becomes ingrafted into the opinions of the people. Whilst the Spartan Republic retained her virtue, she was free and invincible. She made the mighty army of the Persian monarch flee before her ; and with three hundred soldiers stopped the march of more than three millions of men ; with the exception only of a single man, they died in the contest, with their arms in their hands, and a magnificent monument was erected to their memory, with an inscription which comprehends the finest eulogium : " Go, traveller, and tell at Lacedaemon that we died here in defence of her sacred laws." Philopoemen, the general of the Achaeans, was so fully persuaded that the only means of reducing this brave people to subjection and dependence was to eradicate the principle of public virtue, that he attempted it by endeavoring to change the manner of their education. 24 A change was afterwards effected, a taste for luxury inculcated, Athens subjected to her arms, her spoils and riches seized with greedi- ness, corruption ensued, and ruin closed the drama. We are charmed with the noble exertions of the United Provinces in their opposition to despotic government, yet how soon are we astonished to see AN ORATION. 541 that brave people in the greatest danger of a total subjection, from that passion for commerce which, by attracting their whole attention, and confining their views to the objects of gain, induced them, that they might not be interrupted in their favor- ite pursuits, to confide in foreign mercenaries for their defence and protection. 25 Such was the gen- eral depravity of morals at one unhappy period of the republic, that their excellent Stadtholder, the Prince of Orange and Nassau, exhibited the most brilliant virtues to little other purpose than to con- vince himself and the world that loss of public virtue is an infallible mark of real or approaching declension. 26 The republic of Venice, which for twelve cen- turies has maintained her freedom and independ- ence, and which has been independently a match for the whole Ottoman Power, has preserved her- self solely by her wise maxims of legislation, founded on the first principles of her government. The thirteen independent cantons of Switzerland, preserved from slavery by resistance to tyranny, retain the same unchangeable character for sim- plicity, honesty, frugality, and modesty, with which they first set out. 27 It would be endless to enu- merate all the instances that might be offered of the miseries and wretchedness that have been heaped on mankind by a general adoption of the contrary qualities. We need but advert to the his- tory of that nation, whose extreme degeneracy has induced them to acquiesce in those enormous im- positions, which a braver people have resisted at 542 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. the hazard of their lives and fortunes, and even to become the willing tools for enforcing a servile subjection upon those whom they were bound by ties of blood to love and succor. That we may learn wisdom by the misfortunes of others that by tracing the operation of those causes which have proved ruinous to so many states and kingdoms, we may escape the rocks and quick- sands on which they have been shipwrecked it may be useful to take a cursory retrospect of the motives and opinions which have effected the dis- memberment of a very large and valuable part of the British dominions, and thereby deprived them of .a principal source of strength and greatness. Under a constitution which has ever been the boast of Englishmen, we have seen a most shame- ful prostitution of wealth to the purposes of bribery and corruption, with a view still farther to augment that opulence of individuals, which, when exorbi- tant, must always be injurious to the common in- terest. 28 We have seen the members of a House of Com- mons, which was once the bulwark of the nation and the palladium of liberty, avail themselves of the meanest artifices for securing a seat, because it enabled them to gratify their favorite passions; and, shame to human nature ! we have seen a people, once famed for honesty and temperance, intoxicated at the gambols of an election, and stupidly selling their suffrages for representatives in Parliament! The whole business of government had become an affair of trade and calculation ; the representa- AN ORATION. 543 tive who expended his property for the purchase of a vote, was sure to make his profits by the sale of his influence for the support of ministerial prod- igality, or absolute domination ; and to extend the security with which the members might plunder the people and trample on their rights, the pro- longation of their parliaments to a term of time sufficient to inveterate their power was at length adopted, for the purpose of riveting those chains which an undue influence in elections had pre- viously forged. 29 Keligious tyranny had forced from the unnatural bosom of a parent a race of hardy sons, who chose rather to dwell in the deserts of America, with the savage natives, than in the splendid habitations of more savage men. Scarcely had these persecuted fugitives breathed from the fatigues of a dangerous voyage, when be- hold the cruel hand of power stretched over the Atlantic to distress them in their new possessions ! Having found a rude, uncultivated soil, inadequate to the supply of the conveniences of life, they 30 at- tempted those arts of which they stood immedi- ately in need ; a prohibition of the manufactures necessary to clothe them in these then inhospitable wilds, was early threatened, and though they were afterwards permitted, yet it was under the most humiliating restrictions. 31 From a principle of avarice and the most unjus- tifiable partiality in prejudice of these infant settle- ments, all commercial communication between them was forbidden; the importation of mercantile arti- 544 . LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. cles was laid under the heaviest restraints ; none were to be freighted, not even the produce of for- eign countries, from any other than British ports, and all exportations were finally to terminate in Britain. The manifest object of these measures was to enrich some crouching favorites at home, till at length plunged into debt, even in the midst of suc- cess and conquest, by the rapaciousness of an insa- tiable ministry and a general corruption of man- ners, every sinew was strained amongst their domestic subjects for the acquisition of a large revenue ; but this resource having been found in- sufficient for the purpose, the expenses of the war, out of which they had just emerged, were made the pretext for levying taxes on the unrepresented subjects of America. The first requisition for the supply of an army was too readily submitted to, and the subsequent acts which have led to that war, in which these States have been called upon to contend for everything dear in life, are too re- cent to be yet forgotten by you, my fellow citizens, on whom the vengeance they were designed to ex- ecute has so largely fallen. The mild voice of supplication and petition had in vain assailed the royal ear, the blood of your fellow countrymen was wantonly shed on the memorable plains of Lexington, you flew to arms, and made your last appeal to Heaven. Never did an enthusiastic ardor in the cause of an injured country blaze forth with such resist- less fury, never did patriotic virtue shine out with AN ORATION. 545 such transcendent lustre, as on that solemn day ! Scarcely was there to be seen a peasant through the land " whose bosom beat not in his country's cause." Angels must have delighted in the sight ! A wide extended country roused into action at the first flash of arms, and pouring forth her thousands of virtuous yeomen to avenge the blood of their slaughtered brethren on the imprincipled aggres- sors ! Quickly they fled from merited destruction, and fleeing, shed their blood, an immolation to the beloved manes of those who fell the early martyrs to this glorious cause. You then convinced deluded Britains that bravery was not the growth of any one peculiar spot or soil. 32 The enterprise, 'tis true, was bold and daring. The nations of the world stood still, astonished at the desperate blow ! The brave alone are capable of noble actions. Defenceless and unfurnished with the means of war, you placed your confidence in the God of armies, who approves the struggles of the oppressed ; and relying on the honest feel- ings of the heart for your success, you ventured to contend with veteran armies, and to defv the for- * */ midable power of a nation accustomed to success and conquest. Your guardian genius patronized your cause, presided in your councils, inspired you with in- trepidity and wisdom, and mysteriously infatuated the British chiefs. Protected in the days of weak- ness and of danger by the concealment of your real wants, the boasted wisdom of your crafty foe was baffled and confounded. 35 546 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. Through all the various fortunes of the field, you persevered with an undaunted front, and whilst your coasts were swarming with fleets, full freighted with the choicest legions of the enemy a force that would have stiffened with despair a less determined people you dared to pass the irrevocable decree that forever cut asunder the ties that bound you to a cruel parent, assumed your rank among the nations of the world, and insti- tuted a new epoch in the annals of your country. With solemn oaths you pledged your sacred honor to die united in defence of your much injured rights, or live in virtuous possession of peace, of liberty, and safety. The generations yet unborn shall read with rapture that distinguished page, whereon in capitals shall stand recorded the impor- tant transaction of that day, and celebrate to the latest ages of this republic the anniversary of that resolution of the American Congress, which gave the rights of sovereignty and independence to these United States. Long may they retain that spirit of union which has enabled them to withstand the mighty force of Britain, and never be persuaded through the artifice of their enemies to violate the articles of that confederation to which they owe their liberty. Should ever the constitutional authority of the legal representative body of the nation be annihi- lated, the bond of union will be dissolved, and we shall be reduced to the greatest hazard of misery and subjection. 33 By means of their union the States, alone and AN ORATION. 547 unassisted, have vanquished a numerous army of brave and veteran troops, and led their chief a cap- tive to your capital. As long as time shall last, the noble example you have set the world shall be pro- duced to show what wonders may be done by men, united and determined to be free. 34 Your virtue has supplied the place of wealth in the prosecution of the war; the taxes that have been levied have generally been submitted to with cheerfulness, and in a free state, where the people are themselves the assessors, so far were they from being considered a grievance, that you wisely es- teemed them as the symptoms of virtue, because they ever evince that the safety of the public is the supreme object of attention. 35 Nor shall the powerful aids of a magnanimous ally be suffered here to pass unnoticed ; the gener- ous terms on which assistance and support were granted, shall leave impressions of esteem and friendship which time and age shall not be able to efface. 3f> Under the conduct of 37 One illustrious general, the brave allied armies have together contended for the rights of human nature, have mingled blood, conquered a formidable host of chosen troops, and laid the British standard at your feet At length, ye favored sons of freedom, THE GLORI- OUS WORK is DONE. 39 Heralds of peace ! proclaim the joyful tidings. Let the remotest corners of the globe resound with acclamations of applause, till even the inanimate creation shall join the concert and dance to more sublime than Orphean strains. 548 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. Genius of Liberty, rejoice, for Heaven has opened a new asylum to your long persecuted sons. Rejoice, ye inhabitants of this chosen land ! Let songs of joy dwell long upon your thankful tongues, and notes of gratitude to Heaven be raised on ten thousand strings, till angels catch the sound, and echo back PEACE and good will to men ! Had I a thousand tongues, and all the eloquence of Cicero or Demosthenes, too feeble were my accents, too small my energy for this transporting theme ! What miseries and tortures have we not escaped ! Go search the records of tyranny and usurpation, and learn the insolence forever consequent on the suppression of insurrections in the behalf of violated rights ! Agis, the brave reformer of the Spartan manners, was condemned by the tyrant who owed his life to him, to die an ignominious death for an un- successful opposition to the torrent of vice which had overwhelmed that republic. A fond and anxious mother presented at the door of his prison a peti- tion that her son might be indulged with a hearing before the people. The unfeeling minister of cruelty had already perpetrated the execrable deed, and sneeringly replied, no farther injury should be done him. He then introduced her to the apart- ment where laid the body of her murdered son, with that of her aged mother who had attended her. Sensible that his misfortunes were the consequence of lenity, carried to a degree that rendered it im- policy, she could not forbear kissing the bloody corpse, and uttering aloud the sentiments of her soul. In the midst of this affecting scene that AN ORATION. 549 would have extorted pity from a savage breast, the ruffian, exasperated at these effusions of grief as expressing her justification of his conduct, rushed on his distracted mother, and plunged his dagger in her breast ! The history of that brave 40 and honest nation, whose spirited exertions have lately extricated them from that subjection and dependence to which the arms and artifice of a neighboring king- dom had reduced them, sufficiently evinces that resistance to arbitrary power needs but the name of rebellion to furnish out a pretext for every form of violence and cruelty. Often have the scaffolds smoked with gore poured from the veins of pa- triots and of heroes, and the destroying sword of despotism been drunk with the richest blood of a community ! Had conquest crowned the efforts of our enemies, numbers of our worthy patriots had now been bleed- ing under the vindictive hand of a successful foe ; and tve, perhaps, in mines or dungeons, been drag- ging out a life of wretchedness, and weeping in silence over the memory of those to whom were justly due the applause and gratitude of every friend to liberty and virtue. What a contrast to this frightful picture does the joyfulness of the occasion which has this day assembled us together exhibit to our view ! Many of these illustrious freemen now meet us here, and mingle tears of joy and gratitude with ours ! Thousands of brave, deserving members of so- ciety have fallen an untimely prey to the poisonous 550 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. exhalations of a prison, and filthy guardships have been the charnel houses of our brethren. Confined within those dreadful regions of horror and despair, where no refreshing breezes ever entered, the tainted element itself was charged with pestilence and death ! You who have seen the helpless vic- tim of a merciless disease groaning under the agonies of a relentless fever, can tell what epithets to use in the description of the tortures they en- dured. Their tongues were parched with raging heat ; their boiling blood scalded the very veins in which they circulated; and did ye then, ye min- isters of wrath, supply a single cup of water to re- fresh their thirsty souls ? Verily, ye unworthy off- spring of a Christian land, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of these, ye did it not to Him who shortly will avenge the cause of innocence. But smiling peace returns, and death and car- nage shall prevail no more to swell the numbers of the slain. We wish not, Britons, too severely to upbraid you ; we only mean to hold you up as an example to the world, from which the best of les- sons may be learned. Let us, however, contemplate those unfictitious scenes of misery and distress, which an arduous struggle for our liberties has cost us ; let us re- member the principles that produced the oppo- sition, as well as those that gave occasion for it, and then if we can tamely bear to see our liberties destroyed, let us flee, guickly flee, from these yet hallowed shores, nor dare pollute the land which holds our fathers' tombs* 1 AN ORATION. \ 551 A time of tranquillity and peace is often a season of the greatest danger, 42 because it is too apt to in- volve a general opinion of perfect security. The Roman State, whilst Carthage stood her rival, re- tained her virtue. Carthage was destroyed, and Rome became corrupt. 43 Unless we are properly apprised of and duly armed against this evil, the United States will one day experience a similar fate. Transported from a distant clime less friendly to its nature, you have planted here the stately Tree of Liberty, and lived to see it flourish ! But whilst you pluck the fruit from the bending branches, re- member that its roots were watered with your blood! Remember the price at which you purchased it, " nor barter liberty for gold." Go search the vaults where lay enshrined the relics of your martyred fellow-citizens, and from their dust receive a lesson on the value of your freedom ! When virtue fails, when luxury and corruption shall undermine the pillars of the state, and threaten a total loss of liberty and patriotism, then solemnly repair to those sacred repositories of the dead, and, if you can, return and sport away your rights. When you forget the value of your freedom, read over the history that recounts the wounds from which your country bled ; peruse the picture which brings back to your imaginations, in the lively colors of undisguised truth, the wild, dis- tracted feelings of your hearts ! But if your happy lot has not been to have felt the pangs of a con- 552 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. vulsive separation from friend or kindred, learn from those that have. Behold the hoary head of. age, descending to the grave with sorrow and despair. Pleased with en- chanting prospects, in a son with whom his very soul was bound together a son who promised to have been the stay and staff of his defenceless years the good old man insensibly declined, along the path of life, and scarcely felt the weight of threescore years and ten; .the deadly shaft pierced through the bosom of his hopes, and doomed him to breathe out the residue of his life in solitude and wretchedness. Observe the youth whose parent, guardian, and pro- tector, just at the time when the faculties of reason were beginning to put forth their buds, and court the fostering hand of culture, snatched from their dutiful embraces, and all the endearing ties of life. But if, suspicious of a counterfeit grief, you seek an instance where sorrow cannot be feigned, go fol- low her whose streaming eyes, distracted mien, and bursting heart, announce the pangs that nature feels in the sudden and violent dissolution of the nearest and most dear connection. I might proceed, but permit me here to draw the sable veil, and leave to your imaginations to suggest the rest. But stay forbear, nor longer mourn for those who have no cause for tears. " Glory with all her lamps shall burn To watch the warrior's sleeping clay, Till the last trump shall raise his urn, To share the triumphs of the day." AN ORATION. 553 If to the latest ages we retain the spirit which gave our INDEPENDENCE birth ; if, taught by the fatal evils that have subverted so many mighty states, we learn to sacrifice our dearest interests in our country's cause, enjoin upon our children a solemn veneration for her laws, as next to adoration of their God, the great concern of man, and seal the precept with our last expiring breath, these STARS that even now enlighten half the world, shall shine a glorious constellation in this western hemisphere, till stars and suns shall shine no more, and all the kingdoms of this globe shall vanish like a scroll. NOTES. The motto on the title-page of the Charge was : Vibet extento Proculeius cevo Notus in Fratres animi paterni : Ilium aget Pennd metuente solvi Fama superstes. HORAT. Carm., Ode ii., Lib. ii. 1. Masonry, considered as a mechanic art, or architecture, which by the Craft is understood to be implied in the term, has too generally been esteemed unworthy the attention of men of rank and letters. The design of the first part of this address is to prove, that so far as respects its origin and utility, we have every reason to entertain sentiments of the highest regard for the promotion of it. This point once established, it will be easy to demonstrate how the principles of this art may be applied to a still higher object, that of beautifying the soul and harmonizing her passions, and by the cultivation of the social virtues, of advancing the perfection of the one " Stupendous whole, Whose body nature is and God the soul ! " NOTE 2. There is nothing immutable but Geometry, all things else undergo incessant variation. VOLTAIRE'S Philosophy of History. NOTE 3. Nulli . . . forma manebat Obstabatque aliis illud ; quia Corpore in uno Frigida pugnabant callidis, numentia siccis, Mollia cum duris, sine Pondere habentia Pondus. Hanc Deus et melior litem Natura diremit : Nam Casio Terras et Terris abscidit undas ; Et liquidum spisso secrevit ab Acre Coelum. Quae postquam evolvit, csecoque exemit acervo. Dissociata locis CONCORDI PACE ligavit. OVID NASOX, Metamorp., Fab. 1. NOTES. 555 NOTE 4. The visible intellectual and created species of things, are pictures, images and representations of the invisible archetypal and increated species of things in the mind of the Supreme Being. CHEYNK'S Philosophic Principles, Prop. ix. , NOTE 5. There must of necessity be some principle of action in intellectual beings, analogous to that of attraction in the material system, and that is the principle of reunion with the Supreme Infinite. Ibid. Prop, xviii. NOTE 6. Charity, or the love of the Supreme Being, and of all his images, is the necessary effect of this principle of reunion, when fully ex- panded and set at liberty. CHEYNE, Prop. xix. NOTE 7. Omnes eodem cogimur. Vide HOKAT. Carm., Ode iii. Lib. ii. NOTE 8. Passions like elements, though born to fight, Yet mix'd and soften'd in his work unite ; There 'tis enough to temper and employ, But what composes man can man destroy ! Suffice that reason keeps the middle road, Subject, compound them, follow her and God. POPE, Essay on Man, Epist. ii. Lib. iii. NOTE 9. The question has often been asked : Why the ladies may not be initiated into the mysteries of the Craft ? The reason here offered is- the true one, and it may be relied on that no other disqualification is supposed to exist, but such as they themselves would readily acknowledge the validity of. The trowel, hammer, and hod, are by no means adapted to female use. The carrying of mortar and bricks for the building is the proper employment only of that sex whose constitutions are fitted for labor and fatigue ; and the precepts of our art are such as to be of little use unless applied to practice. 556 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. NOTE 10. Oration. Polybius. Hist., Lib. 6, p. 628. NOTE ll. Aristotle thinks there is not any one virtue belonging to the sub- jects of a despotic government. Polit., Lib. 1. V NOTE 12. A multiplicity of rigorous penal laws is not only incompatible with the liberty of a free state, but even repugnant to human nature. MONTESQUIEU. NOTE 13. Cicero de Oflic. NOTE 14. Gordon's Sallust, p. 41. NOTE 15. It was the victory over the Persians, obtained in the straits of Thalamis, that corrupted the Republic of Athens, and the defeat of the Athenians ruined the republic of Syracuse. MONTESQUIEU'S Spirit of the Laws, vol. i. p. 163. NOTE 16. Peace is the natural effect of Trade. MONTESQUIEU, vol. ii. p. 2. NOTE 17. Vide Present State of Europe, p. 24. NOTE 18. Luxury is always proportional to the inequality of fortune. MONTESQUIEU, vol. i. p. 137. NOTE 19. China, the richest and most populous commercial empire of the uni- verse, was subdued by a handful of poor Tartars. MONTAGUE, on Republics, p. 377. NOTE 20. Countries are not cultivated in proportion to their fertility, but to their liberty. MONTESQUIEU, Spirit of Laws, vol. i. p. 388. NOTES. * 557 NOTE 21. The Spaniards, since the discovery of the American mines, have been constantly declining. MONTESQUIEU'S Spirit of Laws, vol. i. p. 64. NOTE 22. On Republics, p. 339. NOTE 23. The surest way of instilling into children a love for their country is, for parents to set the example. MONTESQUIEU'S Spirit of Laws, vol. i. p. 49. NOTE 24. The people will never fail to pursue right measures for the security of their liberties if they are but rightly informed ; and it is a pleasing consideration, that the means of education and the promotion of the sciences, are so generally the object of public attention in these rising confederated States. NOTE 25. Vide Sir William Temple's observations upon the United Prov- inces of the Netherlands, p. 261. NOTE 26. Present State of Europe, p. 500. NOTE 27. They have no corrupt or corrupting court, no blood-sucking place- men ; no standing army, the ready instruments of tyranny, no ambition for conquest, no luxury, no citadels against invasion and against lib- erty, their mountains are their fortifications, and every householder is a soldier ready to fight for his country. Political Disquisitions, vol. iii. p. 410. Quot. Voltaire. NOTE 28. The great increase of our commerce after the peace of Utrecht brought in a vast accession of wealth ; and that wealth revived, and gradually diffused that luxury through the whole nation, which had laid dormant during the warlike reigns of William and Anne; to this universal luxury, and to this only, we must impute the amazing prog- ress of corruption which seized the very vitals of our constitution. MONTAGUE On Republics, p. 376. 558 " LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. NOTE 29. Vide Political Disquisitions, passim. NOTE 30. Vide ABBE RAYNAL'S History of British Settlements, vol. ii. NOTE 31. It ever was, and ever would have been the policy of Great Britain had this country continued under her government, as much as possible to suppress our manufactures. One of her writers speak- ing of the colonies, says : They will certainly set up those manufac- tures with which we now supply them, and thereby deprive us of those advantages, we are entitled to reap from their establishment, but it is to be hoped the Parliament of England will keep a watchful eye over our plantations, in regard to a matter of such important con- cernment to this kingdom. POSTLETHWAYT'S Diet, of Commerce, Art. Colonies. NOTE 32. Nothing more strikingly demonstrates the folly of a commander than his really undervaluing the prowess of an enemy. Fabius thought highly of the abilities of Hannibal and made his dispositions accordingly. NOTE 33. When Rome had arrived to her highest pitch of grandeur, it was the associations formed behind the Danube and the Rhine associations formed by the terror of her arms that enabled the Barbarians to resist her. - MONTESQUIEU, Spirit of Laws, vol. i. p. 184. The Canaanites were destroyed by reason they were petty monar- chies, that had no union nor confederacy for their common defence. Ibid. vol. i. p. 185. NOTE 34. Twelve brave men under the conduct of Cleomenes, broke loose from their prison, spread horror and destruction through one of the most populous cities in the universe, and not finding the inhabitants courageous enough to oppose them, they unanimously perished by their own hands. PLUTARCH, Vit. Cleom., p. 822. NOTE 35. It is a general rule that taxes may be heavier in proportion to the liberty of the subject, and that there is a necessity for diminishing them in proportion to the increase of slavery. MONTESQUIEU, vol. i. p. 305. NOTES. '559 How much these states enjoy advantages superior to Great Brit- ain, with respect to the payment of their public debt, is sufficiently obvious. NOTE 36. Queen Elizabeth of England offered her favor, protection and assistance to the United Provinces, whilst they were contending for their liberties, and the grateful remembrance of her friendship was frequently in the mouths of all sorts of people, and still continues to the present day. Vide SIR WILLIAM TEMPLE'S History of the United Provinces, p. 68. NOTE 37. It greatly redounds to the honor of these states, as well as that of their great General, that whilst the British have four or five times changed their commander-in-chief, the same has continued at the head of the American forces through the whole war ; has this been the case because amongst our enemies it was more difficult to find a vir- tuous man, or because the government under which they held their places was more factious and corrupt ? The long continuance of the Hannibalic war, in which the Carthaginians maintained their ground above sixteen years against the whole force of the Romans, is imputed to the annual change of generals amongst the latter, whilst the former were constantly commanded by the same extraordinary man. NOTE 38. The British Standards taken by the allied armies at York and Gloucester, were presented at the feet of Congress. NOTE 39. Vide last paragraph of the Oration delivered March 5th, 1775, on the anniversary of the Boston massacre. NOTE 40. I cannot here forbear mentioning to the honor of this people, the recovery of whose liberty has in its circumstances been so nearly con- nected with our own, the most astonishing act of bravery perhaps ever exhibited ; an army under Donagh having been greatly reduced by previous actions, was under the necessity of engaging the King of Ossory, with a vast superiority in the number of his troops ; the sick and wounded insisted on accompanying their General to the field ; after many fruitless efforts to dissuade them from this resolution, it was agreed that they should be tied to stakes drove into the ground, 560 LIFE OF DR. JOHN WARREN. that they might be supported, and in their weak state prevented from falling. An effective man was placed on each side ; the mangled soldiers having tented their wounds with moss, were placed at their stations, began to brandish their swords and prepare for the desperate combat a sight, however, that struck such horror into the minds of the enemy, that they unanimously refused to fight them ! WINNE'S History of Ireland, vol. i. p. 177. NOTE 41. A chief of the Canadians, to whom an European nation proposed their ceding their patrimony, replied : " We were born upon this land, our fathers were buried here ; can we say to our fathers' bones, rise up and come with us to a foreign land? " VOLTAIRE'S Philoso- phy of History, chap. 7. NOTE 42. When once a state has struggled through many and great dif- ficulties, and emerged at last to freedom and wealth, men begin to sink gradually into luxury and to grow more dissolute in their morals. MONTAGUE On Republics, p. 362. NOTE 43. Baron de Montesquieu, speaking of Carthage and Rome, says they were alarmed and strengthened by each other; strange that the greater security those states enjoyed, the more like stagnated waters they were subject to corruption. Vol. i. p. 164. INDEX. PAGE. Adams, Samuel, elected Lieutenant-governor . . . 334 Adams, Dr., son of Samuel Adams 22 pupil of Jos.eph Warren ...... 22 surgeon in the army ....... 22 letter to Dr. Warren 157 his death 159 Alliance between America and the Court of France . . 177 American Academy of Arts and Sciences chartered . . .239 Armies, English and American, strength of . . . . 129 Army, American, want of harmony in the . . . .123 Arnold, Benedict, his friendship for General Warren . . 87 his treason ......... 218 Baltimore Mob, The 465 Baldwin, Cornelius, letter 134 Bartlett, Dr. Josiah, letter 101 Bastile, its destruction ........ 335 Bladensburg, battle of . 493 Bonaparte at the head of affairs in France .... 386 news of his abdication received 491 its effect ^. . . 491 Boston, evacuation of by the British 69 put into a state of defense . . ... . .77 Boston Dispensary established ..... 17,236 Boston Memorial in favor of Jay's treaty . . . . .367 Boston Medical Society formed ...... 222 Bowdoin, Mr., elected Governor of Massachusetts . . . 302 Buckminster, Rev. J. S., the pastor and intimate friend of Dr. Warren . . 440 his death ......... 440 Bunker Hill, battle of . . 44 Bunker Hill Monument, corner-stone laid .... 264 Burgoyne's army lay down their arms 166 36 562 INDEX. Burr, Aaron, his unscrupulous character pointed out by Ham- ilton ... . . 422 kills Hamilton in a duel 423 indignation against him ....... 423 conspiracy of ........ 425 its object 425 Carnes, T. J., letters 147,153 Chamblee, news received of its capture by the French . . 60 encouraging to the Americans 60 Chesapeake and Shannon, engagement between . . . 467 Cheverus, Bishop, held in high esteem by Dr. Warren . . 446 Church, Dr. Benjamin, appointed Director-general of the army hospitals 51 detected in a treasonable' correspondence . . .51 Cincinnati, Society of the, formed . . . . . 266 opposition to it 266, 267 Cochran, Dr., Director-general of hospitals .... 138 Collins, Miss, becomes a member of General Mifflin's family . 160 excites the interest of Dr. Warren . . . . 161 becomes his wife . . . . . . . .167 Constitution and Guemere, engagement between . . . 471 Continental money, result of the depreciation of . . 197-204 sermon upon the subject 208-213 communication from Dr. Warren relating to . . . 214 Convention, resulting in the formation of the State Constitu- tion of Massachusetts . . . . . . 216 Cornwallis, surrender of ........ 245 Craigie, Dr., letters to Dr. Warren . . . 120,147,174 Cutting, Dr., letters to Dr. Warren 145, 169 " Dark Day " . 215 Declaration of Independence .88 Democratic Societies oppose the measures of Washington . 341 Diseases of New England 477-489 Dispensary practice, its advantages . . . . 17 Dysentery in the army ....... 78 Embargo Act, passed 429 speech against it by Dr. Warren 429 its repeal 433 England, difficulties with, in 1793 357 statement of the grievances against .... 365 Eustis, William, pupil of Joseph Warren . 24 INDEX. 563 Eustis, William, continued. appointed surgeon in the army . > .24 letters to Dr. Warren . . 25, 105, 128, 150, 187, 218, 228 governor of Massachusetts 25 Feron, Monsieur J 242, 416 Finances, American, in a deplorable condition . . . 193 Fisher Ames supports Jay's treaty 365 Fort Lee, abandonment of . . . . . . 128 Foster, Dr. Isaac, letter 134 France irritated at the ratification of Jay's treaty . . . 380 hostile measures towards America ..... 380 extraordinary mission to ...... 381 demand of the Directory 385 preparations for defense against ..... 386 convention concluded with . . . . . .386 Freemasonry, its objects stated . . . ... 264, 265 French fleet sail from Toulon for America . . . .177 its objects defeated by an encounter with the English fleet 178 French revolution 336 Garnall, Dr. O. W., letter . . . '. . . . .129 Genet, ambassador from the French Republic, arrives in Charleston 339 received with enthusiasm . . . . . .341 his efforts to force the United States into a war with England . 341 his recall . 342 Gerry, Elbridge, letter to Dr. Warren 131 governor of Massachusetts . . . . . . 434 " Gerrymanders " the State .... 433, 434 Giles, Ag., letters . 112, 154 Glover, Samuel, letter . . . . . . . . 118 Grafton, Mr., letter to Dr. Warren 90 Grafton, Miss, correspondence with . . 52, 64, 80, 94, 100, 102 Greene, Gen., letter . . . 136 Hall, Abiel L 347 Hamilton, Alexander, his ability and wisdom . . . .422 killed by Burr in a duel 423 Hancock, John, delegate to Congress from Massachusetts 53 first Governor of Massachusetts 297 declines a reelection in 1784 297 returned to office in 1787 . ... 329 564 INDEX. Hartford Convention 508-505 Hay ward, Dr. Lemuel . . . . . . . .65 Holton, S., letter . ' 201 Hull, Gen. William, commands an expedition against Canada 463 its disastrous result . . . * . . . . 463 Inoculation introduced in Boston ...... 403 Jay, John, Minister to England . . . . . .362 negotiates a treaty 363 opposition to it 365 its ratification ........ 365 Jefferson elected President 413 Lafayette, Marquis de, a volunteer 1 78 Lawsuits in Massachusetts in 1782 271 Lechmere Point, engagement at . . . . . .61 Ledyard, Isaac 126 Lee, General, his delay in assisting Washington . ' . .132 taken prisoner . . . . . . . . 132 Long Island, battle of . .99 bravery of the American troops at . . . 103 depressing effects of, upon the army . . . .113 upon the medical corps . . . . . . 113 Lovell, James, imprisoned by General Howe . . . . 1 24 released 124 elected delegate to Congress . ' 125 averse to the policy of Washington . . . . 1 25 Lundy's Lane, battle of .491 McKnight, Dr. Charles, letter 106 Masonic charge ......... 521 Massachusetts, great military preparations in . . . . 144 Massachusetts General Hospital founded .... 238 Massachusetts Humane Society formed ..... 233 Massachusetts Medical Society incorporated . . . 244 Medical incidents ... ..... 452-455 Medical students, duties of . 14, 15 Mifflin, Colonel, aide-de-camp to General Washington . .159 Militia, desertion of, after the battle of Long Island . . 1 04 Morgan, Dr. John, appointed director-general of the hospitals . 60 letters to Dr. Warren 61,99, 109, 110, 111, 113, 115, 116, 127, 137 endeavors to reform abuses in his department . . 120 INDEX. 565 Morgan, Dr. John, continued. hastily removed by Congress 135 Mount Defiance taken possession of by the English . . 154 Naval action between the Constellation and LTnsurgente . . 385 Naval successes ......... 490 New Orleans, battle of 507 Norwood, Dr. Jonathan, letter to Dr. Warren ... 23 Oration by Dr. Warren . . . . . . . .531 Peace, provisional treaty of, signed with England . . . 265 treaty of, concluded at Ghent, 507 news received with joy . . . . . 507-510 Perkins' Points " 342 Perpetual motion 458 Perry's victory on Lake Erie ....... 491 Public debt at the close of the Revolution . . . . 270 Putnam, General, begins an entrenchment on Cobble Hill . 61 Resuscitation of a convict after execution .... 231 Rhode Island taken possession of by the .British . . .160 Rhode Island, operations against, determined on by Congress 178 prove successful . . . . . . . .187 Riot in Northampton 273 Russell, Thomas, eulogy on . . . . . . .377 St. Clair, General, evacuates Ticonderoga .... 156 pursued by a detachment of Burgoyne's army . .156 Scollay, Miss, intimate friend of General Warren ... 87 Selfridge, Thomas C., shoots Austin 427 Shays' Rebellion 274 Shippen, Dr., appointed director-general of the hospital . . 141 Shippen, Dr. Thomas Lee 257 Slavery in Massachusetts 319 terminated in 1783 . 319 in Rhode Island 323 Slave-trade, period fixed for its termination .... 326 Small-pox prevalent in Boston in 1764 21 produces great alarm in 1792 . . . . 349 inoculation for 83 Solemn League and Covenant . . . . . . 27 Spontaneous generation, theory of . . . . .457 State Convention in Boston to ratify the Federal, Constitution 325 566 INDEX. Strong, Caleb, elected Governor of Massachusetts . . .435 Tea thrown into Boston harbor ....... 27 Thacher, Dr. James 50 his opinion of Dr. Warren ...... 50 Throg's Neck, attack on 108 Ticonderoga menaced 1 52 dissensions at . . . . . . . . .154 Tory plot discovered in New York . . . . 79 Townsend, Dr. David, letter 199 Tryon, Governor, implicated in the -Tory plot ... 79 Turner, Dr., surgeon-general to the northern department . . 189 Tyler, Daniel, letters to Dr. Warren 29-31 Vaccination in Boston 403 regarded with incredulity 404 Valley Forge, hardships of the troops at . . . . 176 Warren, Dr. John, his birth and parentage .... 1 his love of country 2 death of his father ....... 4 his knowledge and love of the Scriptures ... 7 hatred of injustice 7 his education i ...... 11 commences the study of medicine 12 settles in Salem 13 attachment between him and his brother Joseph . . 20 his interest in public affairs 27 letter to the mechanics of New York . . . .31 letter to his brother Joseph . . . . 36 extracts from his journal, relating to the battle of Bun- ker Hill ' . . .44 his indignation against the British ministry . . . 48 offers himself as a volunteer 50 appointed surgeon of the hospital at Cambridge . 50 letter to John Hancock . 53 suggestions to Hancock concerning the medical depart- ment of the army . . .'-"-. . . . 53-59 deposition in relation to poisoned medicines . . . ' 74 sets out for New York ...... 78 correspondence with General Washington . . 141-143 leaves the army . 149 marries. Miss Collins 167 partnership with Drs. Rand and Hay ward . . 1 75 INDEX. 567 Warren, Dr. John, continued. volunteers with the Rhode Island expedition . .178 birth of his first child . . . . . 179 familiarity with the ancient tongues . . . .191 address to the executive of Massachusetts on the condi- tion of the hospital . . . . . . 193 letter to Timothy Pickering 205 commences a course of anatomical demonstrations . 225 his interest in the invention and perfection of life-boats 236 becomes a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences . . . . . . . . 239 elected professor in Harvard College . . . 253 chosen Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons . 261 his ability as a lecturer ...... 284 address in relation to the election of governor . .297 domestic life 303 his taste for gardening . . . . . . . 304 description of his house and furniture . . 303-315 his opposition to slavery and the slave-trade . ... 319 speech on the proposition to impose higher dnties and greater restrictions on English products . . . 357 sorrow at the death of Washington .... 389 his large family . . . . . . . .409 domestic cares 409-412 his house in Jamaica Plain ..... 414 death of a child by scarlet fever ..... 421 birth of his youngest child . . . . . 424 speech against the Embargo Act ..... 429 his religious views . . . . . . 443 prominent characteristics ..... 447-450 his last illness ........ 512 death .......... 515 funeral ceremonies . . . . . . .516 Warren, Ebenezer, brother of Dr. John Warren . 8, 85, 108 Warren, Joseph, father of Dr. John Warren ... 1 his piety and love of country 1, 2 killed by a fall from a tree ..... 5 Warren, General Joseph ........ 8 his successful treatment of small-pox . . . 21 presides at the meeting of the colonial congress . . 22 his free and liberal disposition ..... 34 at the battle of Bunker Hill 43 his death 47 568 INDEX. Warren, General Joseph, continued. burial .......... 74 provision made by Congress for the maintenance and education of his children . . . . . 87 appointed Grand Master of Masons for the continent of America 261 Warren, Mrs. Mary, mother of Dr. Warren, her strong relig- ious faith ........ 5 Warren, Samuel, brother of Dr. Warren 8 his peculiar habits ....... 8 War of 1812 . . 460 its unpopularity in the Eastern States . . . 462 War declared by France against England .... 339 Water of Boston, analysis of 417 Webb, Joseph, Grand Master of Masons . . . .262 Washington, General, arrives at Cambridge . . . 51 unreasonable clamor against . . . . . .125 military dictator . . . . . . .138 letter to Dr. Warren .142 bold movement of 139 and Lincoln, comparison between 165 causes of disaffection against him . . . . 177 his visit to Boston in 1 789 335 takes command of the army against the French . . 385 death .389 universal sorrow felt at the death of . . . . 391 Washington, city of, captured by the English . . . .495 Willow bark introduced into the pharmacopoeia ... 59 Yellow fever in Philadelphia, in 1793 351 its terrible severity 351 reappearance in 1798 392 in Boston in 1796 and 1798 353 in 1802 and 1829 401 its local origin 401 3 1970 00592 3807