What was he able to accomplish by staying? British General Thomas Gage was instructed to arrest Warren – why didn’t he?
I’m not aware of any historians who have seriously considered these questions. I have co-authored an article, soon to be published, that addresses these questions – and will offer concise, historically documented answers.
Warren’s unique ability to remain safely in Boston was his carefully strategized rise to the pinnacle of Freemasonry in the American colonies, with his Masonic brother and dear friend Paul Revere at his side. Over the course of seven years, he methodically attained the position of Most Worshipful Grand Master (ancient) of North America. Warren believed in Freemasonry – as did many men in the colonies and Europe in the 18th century. Warren was aware that this title and the degrees he accomplished in the Craft would guarantee the respect – and protection – of any British officer who was a Mason. And lodges within the British Army while in Boston (military lodges) were under Warren’s Masonic jurisdiction.
Though British General Thomas Gage knew Warren was the newly appointed president of the illegal Massachusetts Provincial Congress, he didn’t touch him. Though Gage knew Warren participated in the destruction of the tea and united the members of the First Continental Congress with a document he authored (Suffolk Resolves) which called for resistance to the acts of Parliament and preparation for conflict – Gage didn’t touch him!
In fact, Warren met with the general on a regular basis to discuss ways to keep peace between the soldiers and townspeople and Gage didn’t touch him.
By remaining in Boston, Warren was able to gain vital information regarding British plans and movements and inform members of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, Committee of Safety, and Patriot leaders not only throughout Massachusetts – but throughout the American colonies. He learned that the British would attempt to destroy munitions being stored by the Massachusetts Patriots in various towns. He had already instructed those towns to hide their supplies and to be prepared to call out their militia and minutemen units.
On April 18th, Warren received intelligence that Gage was sending troops to Lexington to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and then to the neighboring town of Concord to confiscate American munitions (already hidden). The Massachusetts Provincial Congress and Committee of Safety had the authority to call out the militia if deemed necessary. Warren was the ONLY member of both government bodies who remained in Boston. With no other members with whom he could confer, Warren ALONE made the decision to call out the militia and thus ignite the American Revolution. He summoned Billy Dawes and Paul Revere to his home around 10 pm. Both were ordered to head for Lexington by a different route to warn Adams and Hancock to leave. As they rode to Lexington, they were to call out militia and minutemen units to action along the way and send word to warn Concord.
AND STILL WARREN REMAINED IN BOSTON until he received word the next morning that shots had been fired on the Lexington Green. He then left his home for the last time and departed Boston on a public ferry, unmolested.
NEXT: Warren’s leadership and authority during his “60 Days of Service” from the Battles of Lexington and Concord to the Battle of Bunker Hill.
(Pictures Billy Dawes and Paul Revere)
