Boston physician, orator and patriot (1741–1775) who was a pivotal figure in the early revolutionary agitation in Massachusetts. Warren drafted the Suffolk Resolves, was active at town meetings during the British occupation, and served on the Committee of Safety after the 1770 Boston Massacre. A member of the first three Provincial Congresses, he was president pro tempore in 1775 (at the time of this appointment), and then president. It was Warren who dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes on horseback to warn the patriots that the British were sending troops to seize stockpiled patriot arms. A few days after ‘the shot heard round the world,’ Warren left Boston and was later killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Historically important and exceedingly rare Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “J. Warren,” one page, 6.25 x 6, May 5, 1775. Letter reads, in full: “Gentlemen the Bearer hereof is sent on Express from Albany with the Letter for the Committee of Correspondence you you [sic] will be kind enough to give him all the Assistance in your Power in obtaining Intelligence relating to our Public Affairs.” Letter bears collector’s pencilled biographical notes, from 1875, in the lower blank margin and reverse and has been professionally silked. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, some light mirroring of ink, uneven bottom edge, and scattered light toning and soiling.
Housed in a custom half-blue morocco over blue cloth clamshell case, 8 x 11.75 x 1.5, lined inside with ivory silk moire fabric, five raised bands on spine lettered in gilt in three of the five compartments: “Maj. Gen. / Joseph / Warren” – “First / Officer / Killed at / Bunker Hill / June 17, 1775” – “A. L. S. / May 5, 1775.”
Shortly after sending Revere on his ‘Midnight Ride,’ Warren received a letter of support from the General Association of Albany, New York and was asked to supply intelligence information. During the absence of John Hancock, president of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, Warren acted as its President Pro Tempore and was serving in that capacity when this letter was delivered. In response, Warren, as a member of the the Committee of Safety and the Committee of Correspondence, prepared this letter of introduction to deliver to another member of the Committee of Correspondence, requesting the recipient “to give him all the Assistance in your Power in obtaining Intelligence relating to our Public Affairs.” A month later, Warren was serving as a general and was trying to rally a local militia when he was struck in the head by a musket ball and instantly killed, making him the first officer to die in the Revolutionary War. One of only two war-dated ALSs from Warren known to exist and the first to appear on the market in over 25 years! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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