His appointments were just, and such as met the public approbation.
The arduous duties of a professional and political life, in those "times that tried men's souls," had impaired his health, and so shattered a constitution, never strong, that May 19, 1795, he died suddenly, of paralysis, leaving a very extensive circle of friends to mourn his departure.
Gov. Bartlett was possessed of good mental powers, of a kind and benevolent disposition, and was scrupulously just in all his dealings.
Philanthropy and benevolence were the prominent traits of his character.
His letters, still extant, show that, with a calm and childlike trust in God, he mingled that high sense of the responsibilities which man owes to his Creator and his fellow-man, which forms the foundation of a truly generous, just, and noble character.
Subjoined is the testimony of one who was his neighbor and intimate friend for many years—the Rev. Dr. Elihu Thayer. It is taken from the Address delivered at the funeral of Gov. Bartlett.
"But few persons by their own merit, without the influence of family, or party connections, have risen from one degree of honor and confidence to another, as he did. And fewer still have been the instances, in which a succession of honorable and important offices even to the highest, have been held by any man with less envy; or executed with more general approbation. Despising the gaudy exhibition of vain parade, (a sure mark of a noble mind,) he set a shining example of frugality and economy, both in private and public life, at a period when such virtues were peculiarly becoming and necessary. His natural temper was open, humane, and compassionate. In his dealings, he was scrupulously just, and faithful in the performance of all his engagements; and in his public offices, he served his country with all his might."
The children of Gov. Bartlett who still survive, are Hon. Ezra Bartlett of Haverhill. N. H., and Mrs. Gale, the widow of the late Dr. Amos Gale of Kingston. She is in her 74th year, and resides at South Hampton with her daughter, Mrs. White.
Dr. Levi Bartlett was the eldest son of Gov. Josiah Bartlett, and was born Sept. 3, 1763. He received his preparatory education at the then celebrated "Dummer School" in Newbury, Ms., and after studying the science of medicine one year with his father, he completed his professional course with Dr. Thomas Kittredge of Andover, Ms., a distinguished physician.
Soon after, he established himself in Kingston, N. H., where his father had been located, and who was giving up his professional business to younger and more vigorous practitioners.