On June 16, 1775, Warren was president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, chairman of the Committee of Safety, and awaiting his commission as major-general of the Massachusetts forces (which could only happen after a new president was seated in congress). His concerns were vast and colossal – how to feed, cloth, house, and supply the tens of thousands of men that turned out to face the British in battle – and to establish a strong, working government in Massachusetts, oversee all communications, and preparation for future conflict. On top of that, with so many wounded at Lexington/Concord – and anticipated wounded in the next day’s battle on Bunker Hill – he realized the desperate need for capable physicians/surgeons, medicinals, and medical supplies. He realized a well-qualified General Surgeon was needed to oversee the Provincial Army’s medical department.
FRIDAY, JUNE16, 1775:
– Warren dined in the home of John Hunt in Watertown. According to Hunt’s daughter, Mrs. Betsey Hunt-Palmer, Warren stood at the sideboard pouring wine for those at the table. Betsey was leaving the room. According to Betsey’s diary, Warren asked her to stay to have a glass of wine with him and told her he was going to the hill the next day and expressed doubt he would survive the battle.
– At 9pm Warren presided over the meeting of the Provincial Congress.
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1775:
– Around midnight Warren rowed himself (or was rowed) on the Charles River to a wharf in Boston to meet friend/Masonic brother/physician John Jeffries. Warren implored Jeffries to take charge of the medical department. Jeffries, a Loyalist, declined.
– Returned to the home of John Hunt, where he was sharing a room with friend/fellow member of congress and the Committee of Safety Elbridge Gerry. Warren told Gerry he intended to partake in the battle that day. Gerry attempted to dissuade him. Warren’s response, according to Gerry, was “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (“It is sweet and proper to die for one’s country”)
– Warren was roused from sleep to attend a patient in labor in the neighboring town of Newton.
– Warren presided over the Committee of Safety that morning in Cambridge
– Warren, having been up the night before and now afflicted with a headache, laid down to sleep a few hours before going to the hill.
– Was awakened in mid-afternoon by former apprentice Dr. David Townsend. Warren told Townsend he still had a lingering headache and asked Townsend to have a cup of chamomile tea with him (to alleviate the headache) and then walk to the hill together. Notes left for Warren informed him that the redoubt had been built on Breed’s Hill rather than Bunker Hill.
– Warren walked with Townsend toward the hill and they met another former apprentice Dr. William Eustis tending to the wounded. Townsend joined Eustis. Warren went on.
– Warren encountered General Israel Putnam on the summit of Bunker Hill. Putnam saluted Warren and asked for his orders. Warren reminded Putnam that his commission was not official and therefore he had no orders to give. He then encouraged Putnam to get reinforcements over to the redout.
Next: The Sacrificial Death of Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren
(Pictures: Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren; Dr. David Townsend: Dr. William Eustis; Dr. John Jeffries: Elbridge Gerry: Gen. Israel Putnam)
