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, and then president. Warren dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes on horseback to warn the patriots that British General Gage was sending troops to seize stockpiled patriot arms at Concord. Exceedingly rare partly-printed Revolutionary War dated DS, signed “Jos. Warren,” one page, 12.5 x 7.5, May 19, 1775. Document signed as president pro tempore of "The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.” Appointment of Elias Whiting “to be first Lieutenant of the Foot Company in the Regiment of Foot whereof William Heath Esqr is Colo raised by the Congress aforesaid, for the Defence of said Colony. You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and exercising the said Company in Arms; both interior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; and they are hereby commanded to obey you…and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall, from Time to Time, receive from the General and Commander in Chief of the Forces raised in the Colony aforesaid, for the Defense of the fame, or any other your Superior Officers, according to military Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance to the Trust reposed in you.” Document has been inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. Nicely suede matted and framed with a color portrait of Warren to an overall size of 25 x 13.5. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered toning and creasing, a bit of light foxing, and show-through from endorsement on reverse, which is visible on the reverse of the frame. Provenance: Lot 128 in Skinner Sale #1742, November 1996.
Exactly one month following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Warren appoints an officer to the regiment of Brigadier General William Heath. Several days later, Congress would adopt the forces outside Boston as the Continental Army while Prime Minister Lord North dispatched additional British troops and generals Howe, Clinton and Burgoyne to restive Massachusetts. Although Warren himself was appointed a major general by the Provincial Congress shortly before the Battle of Bunker Hill a month later, he insisted on volunteering as a private against the wishes of General Israel Putnam and Colonel William Prescott, who wanted him to serve as their commander; he fell in battle a few days later. A rare autograph from a great American patriot dated in the early days of the Revolution. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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