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46-714: Daniel Bowen ( c.  1760 –1856) established the Columbian Museum in Boston in 1795. Prior to this time, Bowen had overseen the display of "a few specimens of waxwork, at the American Coffee House, opposite the Bunch-of-Grapes , in State street . ...Additions of natural and artificial curiosities, paintings, &c., were constantly made to the collection till 1795, when it assumed the name of Columbian Museum. " Located "at

92-557: A Republican sweep of the legislature the following year) marked the effective end of the Federalist Party in Massachusetts. Eustis was a popular governor, continuing Brooks' moderate policies. He nominated his lieutenant governor, Levi Lincoln Jr. , to the state's high court , and won reelection in 1824 with former Representative Marcus Morton as his lieutenant. While governor he received his old friend Lafayette when he toured

138-437: A confirmed bachelor, described as urbane and charming. He married Caroline Langdon in 1801; they had no children. She was the sister of Henry Sherburne Langdon, who had married Eustis' sister Ann, and the daughter of Woodbury Langdon , a prominent Portsmouth, New Hampshire , merchant and judge. His wife survived him by forty years, after which his Boston property was divided among relatives. The mansion fell into decay, but

184-435: A lieutenant colonel's commission offered by artillery chief Henry Knox . During his Continental Army service, Eustis met and established an enduring friendship with New Jersey native Aaron Burr . In 1777 Eustis was placed in command of a military hospital established at the former residence of Loyalist Beverley Robinson north of New York City , where he remained for the duration of the war. In September 1780 he played

230-824: A meeting at the tavern: "The ancient and most benevolent of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick. The Principal Knot of the 47th Regiment is to meet at the Bunch of Grapes on Thursday the 29th inst. at eleven o'clock in the forenoon." After the Siege of Boston ended in March 1776, "General Washington was handsomely entertained" at the Bunch-of-Grapes, as were Lafayette and General John Stark . In March, 1786, Rufus Putnam , Benjamin Tupper , Samuel Holden Parsons , and Manasseh Cutler met at

276-582: A military surgeon during the American Revolutionary War , notably at the Battle of Bunker Hill . He resumed medical practice after the war, but soon entered politics. After several terms in the state legislature, Eustis won election to the United States Congress in 1800, serving as a moderate Democratic-Republican . He briefly returned to state politics after losing reelection in 1804, and

322-420: A minor role in events surrounding the flight of traitor Benedict Arnold : he treated Arnold's wife Peggy , who was seemingly hysterical over the sudden departure of her husband and the discovery of his plot. After the war Eustis returned to medical practice in Boston. He was once again called on to serve in military matters when Shays' Rebellion broke out in western Massachusetts in 1786, becoming surgeon to

368-528: A real Prison. An Indian Warrior, with his tomahawk, belts of wampum, &c. Two Chinese Mandarines, drest in the modern stile of that country.... With a great variety of Natural and Artificial Curiosities; Among which are a great variety of Birds, live Owls, Beasts, Reptiles, Serpents, (one of which is a Rattle-Snake, 9 years of age, and 4 feet in length,) Insects, Diamond Beetle, Glass Frigates, two feet in length, compleatly rigged and mounted with Glass Guns, &c." In addition to exhibiting objects and animals,

414-463: A table, with the late Dr. Stiles , President of Yale College.... The New-York Beauty. The Sleeping Nymph. A Tea Party of Young Ladies, with a Servant Negro Girl. ... Sir Charles Grandison and Miss Harriet Byron. Charlotte weeping at the Tomb of Werter . Humphreys and Mendoza, the celebrated English Boxers.... The assassination of Marat ... The late unfortunate Baron Trenck , loaded with large iron chains in

460-539: A threatened uprising in the Continental Army. Eustis publicly denied being the author of the letters, but was silent on his role in the affair. ( John Armstrong later admitted to writing the letters, and Eustis acknowledged some years later that he was privy to the plot.) Eustis was a moderate Democratic-Republican who did not seek the significant reforms more radical Republicans wanted. He demonstrated this by voting against President Thomas Jefferson 's repeal of

506-409: A young woman whose mother had been involved in an adulterous relationship with Alexander Hamilton ; she was placed in a Boston-area boarding school. Eustis may have also been the subject of a teenage crush by Burr's daughter Theodosia , who shared intimate details of her life with him (including medical conditions emanating from a difficult pregnancy) well into adulthood. Eustis was for many years

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552-616: The American Revolutionary War in April 1775, Warren and Eustis both worked in the field, tending the injured revolutionaries. Warren secured for Eustis a commission as regimental surgeon to the rebel artillery. Eustis helped care for the wounded at the June 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill , in which Warren was killed. He served with the Continental Army in the New York and New Jersey campaign , refusing

598-707: The Judiciary Act of 1801 , a Federalist bill passed in the late days of the John Adams administration that had greatly expanded the number of seats on the federal bench. He was also one of six Democratic-Republicans in the House to oppose the Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution . In 1802 Eustis was reelected, defeating John Quincy Adams , and in a rematch of the 1800 election with Quincy, Eustis

644-503: The Province of Massachusetts Bay in the 17th and 18th centuries. It served multiple functions in the life of the town, as one could buy drinks and meet friends, business associates, political co-conspirators. The facade of the Bunch-of-Grapes building featured an iconic sign: "Three gilded clusters of grapes dangled temptingly over the door before the eye of the passer-by." Notable events occurred on tavern premises. "On Monday, July 30, 1733,

690-631: The US Ambassador to France , negotiated a new commerce treaty with the Dutch government in 1817; it was ratified in 1818. Eustis was at a disadvantage due to his lack of French language skill, and was recalled in 1818 after the Dutch government reduced its American delegation head to a chargé d'affaires . While in Europe Eustis renewed an acquaintance with the Marquis de Lafayette , with whom he had served in

736-454: The first grand lodge of Masons in America was organized here by Henry Price, a Boston tailor, who had received authority from Lord Montague, Grand Master of England, for the purpose." In 1769, the tavern offered tickets for "Love in a Village", the first professional opera performance in Boston. Artist Christian Remick (b.1726) displayed his paintings in the tavern in 1769. A darker chapter in

782-562: The Dutch declined after the defeat of Napoleon , and the post was not particularly active. Eustis unsuccessfully pursued claims against the Dutch for seizures of American goods and ships that had taken place during the reign of Louis Bonaparte over the Kingdom of Holland (the claims were eventually acknowledged by France). Eustis was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1815. Eustis and Albert Gallatin, then

828-593: The Evening on the Grand Piano Forte by Mr. Dolliver. Also the whole variety of the Concert Organ, and Musical Clocks performed on this occasion." In 1804, "Mr. Bates" performed a program of skits, stories, and songs, and also phantasmagoria (illuminated image-projection) featuring "Old Father Time -- A Female Spirit, rising from the Tomb -- The King of Terror -- The Ghost and Hamlet -- Washington -- The President of

874-606: The Revolutionary War. Upon his return from Europe, Eustis purchased the mansion in Roxbury built by royal governor William Shirley in the 1750s (which is now known as the Shirley-Eustis House ). Eustis was again elected to Congress in a special election called after the resignation of Representative Edward Dowse . He served from 1820 to 1823, presiding as chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Military Affairs . In

920-583: The United States -- A Bust of Dr. Franklin -- An Egyptian Pigmy Idol, which instantaneously changes to a Human Skull." The museum enjoyed considerable popularity. One historian notes the broadening cultural effect of the "famous Columbian Museum, where New England began learning to be less provincial." Bowen developed a number of side-businesses, including the Columbian Museum Press, an auction room, and retail sales. The brief, dramatic history of

966-490: The United States. In March–April 1824, perhaps due to his popularity, William Eustis was honored with a single vote at the Democratic-Republican Party Caucus to be the party's candidate for U.S. Vice President at the election later that year . Eustis died in Boston of pneumonia while governor on February 6, 1825. His funeral and temporary interment took place Boston's Granary Burying Ground , and he

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1012-454: The burying-ground adjoining, when the walls fell, killing nine or ten boys, from 12 to 15 years old. Dr. William Eustis ...with other physicians lent his aid on the occasion." Bowen and Doyle rebuilt again, and re-opened the museum in a two-story building in June, 1807. However, after 1807, Bowen suffered financial ruin, and withdrew from museum operations. Doyle assumed directorship thenceforth, until 1825, when Ethan Allen Greenwood acquired

1058-487: The collections for his newly established New England Museum . Some of the visual art ("elegant paintings") shown at the museum were listed in broadside advertisements issued circa 1798-1799: 42°21′30.96″N 71°3′34.56″W  /  42.3586000°N 71.0596000°W  / 42.3586000; -71.0596000 Bunch-of-Grapes The Bunch-of-Grapes was a tavern located on King Street ( State Street ) in Boston in

1104-535: The debate on the admission of Missouri as a state (leading to the Missouri Compromise ), Eustis made an impassioned speech in opposition to proposed language in the Missouri Constitution forbidding the entry of free blacks into the state. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Massachusetts three times (1820–22), losing each time to the popular moderate Federalist John Brooks . In 1823 Eustis won

1150-690: The first land grant institution of higher education in the United States, preceding the more famous Morrill Act land grant institutions by nearly three-quarters of a century. Owners of the tavern included William Davis (prior to 1658), William Ingram (1658); John Holbrook (1680), Thomas Waite (1731), and Elisha Doane (1773). Keepers of the tavern included: Francis Holmes (1690–1712); Mrs. Francis Holmes (1712-ca.1731); William Coffin (1731–1733); Edward Lutwich (1734); Joshua Barker (1749); Mr. Weatherhead (1750-ca.1757); Joseph Ingersol (1764–1772); John Marston (ca.1776-1778); William Foster (1782); James Vila (1789); and Dudley Colman (1790). The Bunch-of-Grapes building

1196-533: The head of the mall" near the Boston Common , the museum's collection included items from Edward Savage 's "New York Museum."; paintings by Robert Edge Pine ; and other curiosities. A newspaper advertisement for the museum in 1797 announces some of the top highlights on display: " Concert clocks .... Elegant paintings.... Elegant Figures of waxwork, Large as Life, among which are ...The late King of France ;... George Washington ;... Dr. Franklin , sitting at

1242-471: The lot adjacent to King's Chapel Burying Ground . However another fire in 1807 wreaked havoc. The fire had begun "from the explosion of a preparation ... used in [the] exhibition of the Phantasmagoria, then occupying the upper hall." Several people were killed, and some wounded, when a wall of the burned museum building collapsed into the burying ground next door. "A large crown of spectators had collected in

1288-456: The military's field manuals , which had not changed since the Revolutionary War. After acquiring copies of manuals published in 1791 for use by the armies of the French Republic , Eustis commissioned a translation and lobbied for adoption of new manuals based on French tactics. Although a new manual was ready for use in 1812, it was not well received by the officer corps, and was not used in

1334-777: The militia force raised by General Benjamin Lincoln that quashed the rebellion in the early months of 1787. Eustis was admitted as an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the state of Massachusetts when it was established in 1783. He later served as Vice President of the Massachusetts Society from 1786 to 1810, and again from 1820 to 1821. Eustis was elected to the Massachusetts General Court (the state legislature) from 1788 to 1794, which he left because he

1380-469: The museum from 1803 through 1807 reflects the commitment and persistence of Bowen, his supporters, and loyal museum patrons. A fire on January 15, 1803, damaged the business; a few months later, the museum re-opened in a new location, on the corner of Milk Street and Oliver Street. In 1806, Bowen and William M.S. Doyle (1769–1828) moved the museum to Tremont Street , into their newly built "costly brick edifice, five stories high." The new building occupied

1426-457: The museum provided a venue for performing arts such as musical concerts for organ and voice. In 1797, for instance, "Chalmers, Williamson, and Barrett ... gave an olio of readings lectures, recitations and songs... entitled 'Nature in Nubibus, or a Melicosmeotes -- an antidote for the spleen.'" In 1800, "the Columbian Museum will be opened and elegantly illuminated This Evening, Dec. 25. Music suited to

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1472-509: The office on February 13, 1813. Eustis was next appointed minister of the United States to the Netherlands by President Madison, serving from 1814 to 1818. Madison believed the post to be important for sounding out conditions in Europe due to The Hague 's historical use as a neutral ground for negotiations, and he instructed Eustis to track European diplomatic sentiment. However, the status of

1518-590: The revolutionary era, "the Bunch of Grapes became the resort of the High Whigs, who made it a sort of political headquarters, in which patriotism only passed current, and it was known as the Whig tavern." Paul Revere and others gathered here. However, during the British occupation of Boston, British troops met at the tavern. In January 1776, James Henry Craig , company commander of the 47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot , arranged

1564-518: The seat in a highly contentious contest with the unpopular arch-Federalist Harrison Gray Otis . Republicans presented Eustis as a moderate successor to Brooks who would be less partisan than Otis, and also highlighted his Revolutionary War experience. He carried Federalist strongholds in Hampshire and Essex Counties, and very nearly defeated in Otis in Boston. Eustis' victory in the election (combined with

1610-541: The status of the Democratic-Republicans in Federalist-dominated New England. To that end he chose Eustis to be his Secretary of War . Eustis was not a good choice for the post, lacking the necessary administrative skills and detailed military background. He also had difficult relations with James Wilkinson and Wade Hampton , two senior army commanders. Eustis made a major push to update

1656-588: The tavern and formed the Ohio Company of Associates , which led to a contract being drawn up that sold about five percent of the State of Ohio to this group of Revolutionary War Veterans. This land was in the Southeastern part of Ohio. Provisions of the contract included setting aside two townships in the center of the purchase for a university. Thus, Ohio University (first chartered as American Western University) became

1702-609: The tavern's history involved slavery. For potential buyers, a "search for slave labor in Boston began and ended along the bustling King Street corridor that connected the warehouses of Long Wharf to the commercial center of town. Three of Boston's busiest public houses -- the Royal Exchange, the Crown Coffee-House, and the Bunch of Grapes tavern- lined that half-mile stretch. All offered fine drink and lively conversation, and at times all served as clearinghouses for slaves." In

1748-516: The war began poorly with the surrender of General William Hull at Detroit , Eustis was severely criticized. Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin wrote that there was "a total want of confidence" in Eustis that was felt "through every ramification of the public service." Eustis tendered his resignation in December 1812, and Secretary of State James Monroe took over his duties until John Armstrong assumed

1794-468: The war that broke out that year. As tensions grew between the United States and Great Britain , Eustis made modest moves to improve military readiness, but did not otherwise distinguish himself or introduce other initiatives or proposals. When the War of 1812 began, the army's logistics were in shambles, and it had no overall commander, forcing Eustis to make detailed decisions for nine military districts. When

1840-521: Was "sick of" the political gamesmanship in the body. He was thereafter chosen to serve on the Governor's Council for two years. In 1800 he ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives . During his successful campaign against Josiah Quincy , Eustis was charged with either authoring, or being complicit in the production of, letters that formed a part of the 1783 Newburgh Conspiracy ,

1886-463: Was chosen to be Secretary of War in 1809 by President James Madison . Due in part to his inexperience at managing the army and a lack of preparedness, the military failures in the early months of the War of 1812 were laid on his shoulders, leading to his resignation. Madison then appointed Eustis Minister to the Netherlands , a post he held from 1814 until 1818. After another period in Congress, he

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1932-594: Was defeated by fewer than 100 votes. While in the House, he was one of the impeachment managers appointed by the House of Representatives in 1804 to conduct the impeachment proceedings (the first such action to succeed) against John Pickering , judge of the United States District Court for New Hampshire . In 1804 he argued in favor of arming merchant vessels headed for the West Indies . When James Madison became president in 1809, he sought to enhance

1978-471: Was demolished in 1798, and a commemorative plaque exists on the State Street site today. 42°21′32.3″N 71°3′21.09″W  /  42.358972°N 71.0558583°W  / 42.358972; -71.0558583 William Eustis William Eustis (June 10, 1753 – February 6, 1825) was an early American physician , politician, and statesman from Massachusetts . Trained in medicine, he served as

2024-480: Was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1822. A popular successor to long-serving John Brooks , Eustis died in office in 1825. His Boston mansion, built in the 1750s by royal governor William Shirley , is known as the Shirley-Eustis House and is a National Historic Landmark . William Eustis was born on June 10, 1753, in Cambridge , to Benjamin Eustis, a prominent Boston doctor, and Elizabeth (Hill) Eustis. He

2070-532: Was memorialized by his friend Edward Everett . He was later reinterred at Lexington's Old Cemetery. During the Revolutionary War Eustis became close friends with Aaron Burr , a friendship that deepened in the 1790s. Burr and Eustis exchanged letters on the most intimate subjects, recommending potential romantic partners to each other and sharing a taste for well-educated women. Eustis aided Burr on one occasion by helping him find accommodations for

2116-593: Was the second surviving son of twelve children. He was educated at the Boston Latin School before he entered Harvard College , from which he graduated in 1772. While at Harvard he belonged to an undergraduate militia unit called the Martimercurian Band. After graduation he studied medicine under Dr. Joseph Warren , a well-known Patriot political leader. When the Battles of Lexington and Concord sparked

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