In his domestic relations, in society, and in the ranks of the profession, he filled the measure of usefulness and honor. In the prime of life, with the faculties of his mind fully developed by study and observation, rich in the gifts of the heart, a truly generous and noble nature, uniting great dignity and affability of manner, he was equally conspicuous and admired in the public and the social relations of life, equally trusted and appreciated by those who required his services, and by the profession which was honored and elevated by his example.

Dr. James Macdonald was descended from the Scottish Clan of Macdonald, a name which has become historical in the annals of the past century, both for the exhibition of the highest moral worth and the most distinguished public services. His father, Dr. Archibald Macdonald, emigrated to America in childhood, where he studied the profession of medicine. After practicing as a surgeon in

2 EULOGY.

the British army, he finally settled at White Plains, in this State, where he continued the practice of his profession with distinguished success until his death, in the year 1813.

James Macdonald, at the time of the death of his father, was only thirteen years of age, but his education was carefully superintended by an excellent and devoted mother. It was intended that he should follow a merctntile pursuit ; but his early predilections carried him, in opposition to the wishes of nearly all his friends, into the profession of medicine.