Annotation:Bartlett's Quick-Step
X:1 T:Bartlett’s Quickstep M:6/8 L:1/8 R:March C:Dr. John C. Bartlett of Chelmsford B:Elias Howe – Second Part of the Musician’s Companion (1843, p. 72) Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion K:F c/d/e/|{f}f2f {f}f2f|{f}f2 f{f} f2f|agf gfe|fff f2z| {g}g2g {g}g2g|{g}g2g {g}g2g|gfe dc=B|(ccc c2):| |:A/-B/|c3 d2c|cfz cf (A/B/)|c3 d2c|cgz cg (A/B/)| c3 d2c|caz gfz|dfz cfz|egz cde|(f3 f2):| |:A/B/|.c2z .c2z|c3 c=Bc|A3 A3|A3 ABc|d3d3| d3 fed|c3 c3|c3 cBA|G3G3|GAB cde| f2z z2e|f2z z2g|f2[ce] f2[ce]|f3-f2:|
BARTLETT'S QUICKSTEP. American, Quickstep March (2/4 time). F Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABBCC. The tune was composed by Dr. John C. Bartlett of Chelmsford. This sketch of Bartlett is in the records of the Chelmsford, Mass., historical society:
Dr. John Call Bartlett was bom in Charleston, Mass., Oct. 5, 1808, and graduated from Bowdoin College, Maine, in 1828. Having decided upon the medical profession, he studied with Dr. Thompson, of Charlestown and attended lectures at Harvard University, graduating in 183l. He then settled in Chelmsford, probably at 15 Bartlett St., where he continued in practice nearly forty-six years. His mother and the mother of Dr. Dalton, another Chelmsford physician, were cousins. These two physicians received their name from Dr. John Call, an emiment physician of Charlestown. Dr. Bartlett entered upon his work with the very best preparatory training, His standard of professional honor was high, and he never neglected a call of duty. Quackery or imposition of any kind gained his decided opposition. However, he had a difficult time starting his practice here, with few patients, Shortly before that time Dr. Bartlett wrote his future wife, Maria Adams. My business is tolerable. I have three patients and have taken another family from Brother Paul [Dr. Paul Kittredge, 20 Chelmsford St]. I am as well as ever now although I have been obliged to take an emetic in consequence of a slight full in jumping from my chaise, but do not let this alarm you as I am now in fine health."
In late May 1832 he borrowed $30 from his father, George. George wrote from Charlestown, "I have not been able to get before this any money since I wrote you, and part ofthis I have borrowed. I enclose thi.rty dollars, which you will acknowledge the receipt of by the return mail, that I may feel easy that it reaches you safely, I hope you will be able to find business to meet your expenses as my means arc so limited that l find it hard work to get along myself" Perhaps John wanted to buy a ring for Maria Adams, daughter of Joel Adams, who owned the house, On June 9th John's father wrote again, "I received your letter this morning of the instant, with surprise and pleasure, With surprise, as the communication was unexpected to me - and with pleasure, as from your account, your choice has been fixed on a companion for life, who is exactly calculated to render your journey through it, a happy one: and your happiness, and hers, who may be the means ofpromoting yours, '-Vill ever be a matter ofthe most important concern with your parents. When Miss Adams makes her visit this way, we shall be happy to see her, and to receive her with the deep interest such a dear connection entitles her to.
By early 1834 John, with the help of Isaac Crooker, a house-wright, and carpenters, was fixing up the old house. Meanwhile, Maria was visiting family, and he was anxious for her return to Chelmsford, Her mother had "very graciously condescended to say that she had been doing something in way of getting you married...... But I think I never bore a part in a more ridiculous farce." John and Maria were married on Oct 5th, 1834.
In 1836 John & Maria's son, Charles Edwin Adams Bartlett, was born at his grandfather's home, at the Fiske House located at Billerica Rd. (Inv, #25), which was an inn known as the Lafayette Tavern. From then until the 1970s members of the Bartlett family continued their residence in 15 Bartlett St., and the street on which it is located was named for the family.
Oliver Ditson bought Elias Howe's catalog of publications in the middle of the 19th century and republished Howe's collections, with the proviso that Howe refrain from publishing himself for the term of their agreement.
