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.

In the year 1821 he commenced the study of his profession in his native village, but afterwards entered the office of the late Dr. Hosack, of this city. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New- York in the year 1825.

At this time the office of Resident Physician of the Bloomingdale Asylum was vacant, then a subordinate situation, usually oc cupied by a young member of the profession, acting under the direction of the visiting physician, who was a practitioner in the city, and who visited the Institution at stated intervals. Dr. Macdonald at once applied for the situation, and although just entering the ranks of the profession, without experience, and without many friends, his frankness and intelligence made so favorable an impression on the Governors of the Institution, that he received the appointment, although actively opposed by two rival candidates, supported by powerful friends.

This flattering success fixed the future direction of Dr. Macdo. nald's studies, to which his excellent qualities so eminently adapted him. He entered upon the study of mental diseases with great enthusiasm, and so great was the confidence reposed in him, that the medical responsibility of the Institution was soon almost wholly in his hands.