Date: April 26, 1775
“To the Governor and Company of Connecticut
In Committee of Safety, at Cambridge,
Gentlemen, – The distressed situation in which we are, and the danger to which the liberties of all America, and especially the New England Colonies, are exposed, will be the best apology for our importunate application to you for immediate assistance. We pray, as you regard the safety of your country, that as large a number of troops as you can spare may immediately march forward, well stocked with provisions and ammunition; that they come under proper officers, enlisted for such time as is necessary; that as large a train of artillery as can be procured be sent down to our aid. We rely greatly upon you, as we know the bravery of your men. Our men have behaved with the utmost resolution; but as many of them came far from home without any preparation, it is impossible to keep them in the field, without allowing many of them time to return to their families for one or two days, during which time we may possibly be all cut off, as we have a powerful and watchful enemy to deal with. We are far from despairing. We firmly trust that, by the blessing of Heaven on us, we shall deliver our country. We are determined, at all events, to act our parts with firmness and intrepidity, knowing that slavery is far worse than death. We pray that our sister Connecticut would immediately put in for a share of honor of saving the liberties of America, as a moment lost may never be recalled.
May God direct you and us at this important moment, on which the fate of us all and posterity depends.
We are, gentlemen, With great affection and respect,
Your most obedient, humble servants,
Jos. Warren, Chairman.
Source: Joseph Warren to the Governor and Company of Connecticut, 26 April 1775 in Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Fifth Series, Volume X, pp. 287-288.
Commentary: Within the first week following commencement of hostilities with Governor General Thomas Gage’s British Crown forces on April 19th at Lexington, Concord, and along the Battle Road, Joseph Warren exhibited noteworthy situational leadership establishing the Patriot siege hemming in the British within the confines of Boston. Here, in his role as chairman of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress’ Committee of Safety, he appeals to neighboring Connecticut to send militia and artillery from that province to join the siege. Numerous Connecticut citizen soldiers answered the call to service including General Israel Putnam and, months later, Nathan Hale.
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