Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 15.

[p. 6] one over the other. When one course was finished and the dishes removed the top cloth was taken off and the next course was brought in. Furniture and fine old silver used then is in use in the Hall family today. The late Dudley C. Hall, then a child six years of age, well remembered the grand occasion, and of shaking hands with his father's guest. John Brooks, of course, was present, and the time of the event we may be able to fix, for the conversation turned on the subject of the ability of being able to assemble the militia at short notice. Brooks wanted to show Lafayette how quickly he could muster thousands of fighting men in about four days. This was the time my informant said he thought was mentioned.

On Monday, August 30, a grand review of the militia was held on Boston Common at the instance of Governor Eustis, and Brooks, knowing what was being prepared for the entertainment of the general, naturally had great interest in the coming spectacle, and led the conversation to the subject.

This military show, an assembling of six thousand troops, was considered a very fine affair, and was a source of pride to Massachusetts.

Mr. Hall's dinner party may have occurred on Saturday, August 28, the same day Brooks gave his dinner to Lafayette.

The Hall foreman was in the ranks at the military review, and told his children, years afterward, of seeing the general, and that he was old and lame. He thought it an occasion worthy to be told to future generations, for thousands were assembled there.

We all recall Washington's advice, ‘In time of peace prepare for war,’ and considering the much-talked-of subject today—whether the United States shall or shall not maintain adequate military force in view of the awful conditions prevailing in Europe—it will not be amiss to quote the following concerning Lafayette's opinion on the subject as given at the time of his visit to the