NOTE. The plate on the opposite page is a copy of the original sketch made by Dr. Ames for the sign, the sketch having been found recently among his papers.

The characters represented on the Tavern Sign, commencing on the left of the illustration, are:

BENJAMIN LYNDE, appointed Judge 1745; appointed Chief Justice 1769; died 1781.

RICHARD SALTONSTALL, appointed Judge 1736; died 1756.

PAUL DUDLEY, appointed Judge 1718; appointed Chief Justice 1745; died 1751.

STEPHEN SEWALL, appointed Judge 1739; appointed Chief Justice 1752; died 1760.

JOHN CUSHING, appointed Judge 1747; resigned 1771; died 1775.

Upon the original sketch of the sign the following words are written: "Sir,

I wish I could have some talk on ye above subject, being the bearer waits for an answer shal only observe Mr Greenwood thinks yt can not be done under £40, old ténor."

During the prevalence of the small-pox in Massachusetts in the winter of 1763-4 and the following spring, Dr. Ames's sons were attacked with this malady and they were sent to a Hospital at Boston then in charge of a Doctor Mather. The appended letters will be of interest as showing a portion of the methods practiced at that day, as well as evidencing that there were schools of medicine in the Colonies, and diversity of opinion also.

Sr.

I Recd yours of the 23d Inst. I was from the begining fully Satisfyed that my Sons were under your Care, and am aboundantly thankfull that Providence has hither to Smil'd upon your Practice. I am glad you are a Fellow-Sharer in that Harvest of Honours which results to the new Doctors

on this Question. (Custom in this Country has distinguished you & your brethren from the Bostonians by the Appellation of New Doctors.)

We Americans well know what is meant by an Indian gift, that is to make a present but expect more in return than we give. Just so the

Mercenary World treats you, because you have done us so much Good in Carrying of us well through a Tremendous Distemper we will Imploy our Breath in your Praises: the next generation will look back on those element (?) who have acted their part on the Stage in Boston in this affair A. D. 1764 as we now look back on Borehave and Sydenham, the merits of the former is acknowledged concerning Mercury in this Distemper and the latter for his Instituting of the Case Regimen. I think it is the greatest thing that ever was acheived in the Art of Medicine to disarm so dreadfull a Distemper of all its terrors and dangers.

Pray Continue your care for my Sons. Caution them not to rebel against yours and Nature's prohibitions least they should be taught by fearfull Example that the Small-Pox in no Stage will be trifled with. I am Sr yr most obedt Humble Servt,

DEDHAM, March 26, 1764.

NATHL AMES.

Worthy Sr. I return my hearty thanks to the grate disposer of all events & to you as the Instrument for Carrying my Sons so far through the Small-Pox, so (that) they May return with Safty to a House I have provided for their reception; I have just payd away a large Sum since my Sons entrd the Hospital; and it is now perfectly low Water with me but be so kind as to send me your Bill and also the Bill for Nursing and all other demands and I will Discharge them as soon as possible, the Young Man that lives with me Son to Mr. Seth Sumner of Milton is about to come to you to-morrow provided you will give directions concerning his coming into Town. I also expect Doctr Gerould but he is not yet come. I shall use my Intrest to send what Patients offer to you but the bearer waits with company therefore in Hast I subscribe your Friend and very Humble Seryt NATHL AMES.

DEDHAM, April 5, 1764.

Worthy s. "I return my hearty thanks to the grate disposers of all Events & to you as the muttrument for Cardying buy four So far through. the Smill Por their May returns with softy to a House & have proved for imption; I had just pas away alarge fum time my fous such the Hospital; and it is imo

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Gut the bearer waits with company theyfore in Haft I lubferite your friend and very Humble Jewt Noth. Ames Basham April 5.1861