Watertown June 19th 1775
My dearest Friend
I thank you for the line you sent me this morning it was a cordial indeed; I had a very anxious night of it, but I committed you to the care of a kind and good God, who has answered you: blessed be his name for this Instance of his [ ] merited Goodness! May he still preserve you my dear, and make you a great blessing to your Country: be Courageous, and be Prudent. I feel much better than I did an Hour ago; Indeed my dear had doctor Warren been my Father, I could not have mourn’d him more: but he lives and I am happy It is an important day: may heaven smile upon us: be not anxious about me. I have up firmly. My trust is in God. I have been making lint [i.e. bandages] until my hands are blistered with Mrs Tileston, and Ruthy[?] and Katy. We have made a bon (600?) full. Pray it may not be wanted. But if it is hope it will be good. Come and see me as soon as Possible. All I can do is Pray for you. And you’ll believe I do that as sincerely as you can [ ].
Your most affectionate Wife
Eliza Palmer
Source: Elizabeth Palmer to Joseph Pease Palmer autographed letter signed, in: Chamberlain Collection, Boston: Boston Public Library, Ch.M.1.8 P. 179
Commentary: Elizabeth Palmer (1755-1838) wrote her husband full of angst for her husband’s well being two days following the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. She also was concerned on hearing of Joseph Warren’s demise in that battle, but was falsely reassured by rumors circulating days later that he survived, “…but he lives and I am happy.”
Joseph Warren’s death at Bunker Hill was big news to combatants on both sides of the conflict, as well as to friends, family, and acquaintances.
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