He was one of the thirteen men who met in Samuel Dexter's office in 1812, to inaugurate the Temperance Reformation.

The habit of excessive drinking was then almost universal in this country.

Liquors and wines were freely used on social occasions, at weddings and at funerals.

The clergyman staggered home from his round of pastoral calls, and the bearers partook of brandy or gin or rum in the room adjoining that where the coffin was placed ready for the funeral.

A gentleman present said it was utterly impracticable to try and wean the American people from the habit of drinking.