Dr. Joseph Warren summoned fellow Sons of Liberty members Paul Revere and William Dawes on April 18, 1775
Statues: The People They Salute
Dr. Joseph Warren was not yet 34 years old when at about 10pm on April 18, 1775 he summoned fellow Sons of Liberty members Paul Revere and William Dawes to ride and provide warning to Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the “British” were coming for them. (Actually the “British” were referred to as the “Regulars”...”British” would’ve confused all, because many in Massachusetts and the other colonies still considered themselves British 😉 Also it did surprise me to learn that Dr. Joseph Warren was only 33... when I heard the history in the past I thought Dr. Warren was a much older gentleman.)
Anyway... both Paul Revere, aged 41, and William Dawes, who had only recently turned 30, both arrived a bit after midnight in time to warn Sam Adams and John Hancock. Dawes then went on to Concord to relay the warning that the Regulars were coming for their ammunition stores. Revere attempted to get to Concord but was stopped by some “Regulars” who held him at gunpoint. Revere was able to get to Lexington on foot, when his horse was taken by a Regular. Dawes didn’t make it to Concord either, but luckily they met up with Samuel Prescott who did!
Dr. Joseph Warren gathered militia men and they were instrumental in chasing the Regulars back to Boston. A musket ball is said to have whizzed through his wig! 😳 Later when his mom saw him she begged him never to put himself in such danger. His answer...
"Where danger is, dear mother, there must your son be. Now is no time for any of America's children to shrink from any hazard. I will set her free or die."
Sadly, only months later, on Breed’s Hill during the Battle of Bunker Hill, Joseph Warren once again was in the midst of hazard, but this time his life was taken during the fight for freedom. According to British General Thomas Gage , his death was ‘worth the death of 500 men.’ So passionate was Warren’s dedication to the cause of liberty. 🇺🇸❤️
Pictured is one of many statues that salute Patriot Dr. Joseph Warren This one is located at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston Massachusetts where his remains are buried.
Dr. Joseph Warren spoke these words during his 1775 Boston Massacre Oration.
“Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”
Diana Erbio is a freelance writer and author of “Coming to America: A Girl Struggles to Find her Way in a New World”. Read more in her series Statues: The People They Salute visit The Table of Contents and the Facebook Page. Please consider subscribing to her Substack (it’s free) there you’ll find essays, history and more 🤓🇺🇸
Another brave American hero
Fabulous sharing. I am an American history fan and such postings are throoughly enjoyed!