A query Answered.
On page 97, Vol. XV, of the Register, is a quotation from Francis Parkman (written in 1845) relating to a ‘navy surgeon at Medford,’ followed by the editor's query, ‘Who was he?’Mr. Francis Wait writes, referring to Parkman's stay in Medford:
In those days a Colonel Jaques lived at Ten Hills Farm-house, which was a short distance over the line in Charlestown (now Somerville) and set some way back from Medford turnpike. I have seen Jaques ride through Medford on gunning trips with his hounds following, and sometimes on the return home there would be one or more dogs hours behind him. I have been told the story of his swapping horses with a man in Charlestown Square, after which he told him to examine the horse's eyes, one of which was artificial. [p. 95]
I think that Colonel Jaques, who was a veterinary, if not a naval surgeon, answers the query.
The following, from the Somerville journal Souvenir, 1892, is communicated by Mrs. H. M. Heald of that city:
About 1830 Col. Samuel Jaques bought the Ten Hills estate, and one hundred and six gentlemen furnished $300 each for the purpose of starting a model farm held by trustees. Colonel Jaques was noted for his love of field sports and the chase. His horses and hounds (and it i said he had a pack of forty) were known for miles around. As a steeplechase rider he was seldom equalled, but never excelled. In this vicinity and in Middlesex Fells, in the hunting season, his bugle call was daily heard.
Colonel Jaques died March 27, 1859.
Mr. Parkman was in error as to the colonel's residing in Medford. His home, the old Temple mansion in Charlestown (now Somerville) was demolished in 1877, and much of its elevated site was used in filling the marsh land along the Mystic. Being so near the border it was a natural error for Mr. Parkman to fall into, as may be seen by the observations we have noted.
