Warren, Esq., and inform him that this congress have made choice of him for second major-general of the Massachusetts army, and desire his answer to this congress of his acceptance of this trust." It is stated, that he was proposed as a physician-general; but, preferring a more active and hazardous employment, he accepted a major-general's commission."1

On the 15th, the committee of safety recommended to the council of war, that, as the possession of Bunker Hill appeared of importance to the safety of the colony, it be maintained by a sufficient force being posted there; and, as the situation of Dorchester Hill was unknown to the committee, it recommended to the council of war to take such steps relative to it as "to them should appear to be for the security of the colony." It had been reported for several weeks, that General Gage, when his reenforcements arrived, designed to commence offensive operations; and it was expected in England that his finely appointed army, commanded by generals of experience, would easily disperse the Provincials. So scanty was the supply of powder and of arms, and so great the confusion of the army, there were apprehensions that General Gage might succeed, at least so far as to capture Cambridge; and congress took steps to secure the records and stores. On the 12th of May, this body was formally advised, that, in order to render the country "safe from all sallies of the enemy" in this quarter, it would be necessary to fortify Prospect Hill, the first hill in Charlestown (now in Somerville), nearest to head-quarters; Winter Hill, which is nearest to the peninsula of Charles

1 Mass. Hist. Society's Collections, i. 110.

town; and Bunker Hill, just within the peninsula. It is said, that Warren was not in favor of occupying so exposed a post as Bunker Hill, which would be in accordance with his usual good judgment. The following incidents are related: On the evening after the affair at Noddle's Island, after General Putnam had warmly urged this measure, but General Ward had enjoined caution, Warren remarked to Putnam, "I admire your spirit, and respect General Ward's prudence. We shall need them both, and one must temper the other." After the march of the army into Charlestown, Ward and Warren, against an occupancy of the heights of this town, said that, "as they had no powder to spare, and no battering cannon, it would be idle to make approaches on to the town." One day, after conversing with Putnam on this subject, Warren rose, and walked two or three times across the room, leaned a few minutes over the back of a chair, in a thoughtful attitude, and said, "Almost thou persuadest me, General Putnam; but I must still think the project a rash one. Nevertheless, if the project be adopted, and the strife becomes hard, you must not be surprised to find me near you in the midst of it." There is nothing unreasonable in these relations, so far as they relate to Warren. In fact, they harmonize with much under his own hand bearing on military operations. His letters show how earnest he was to drive Gage out of Boston; but his pleading for powder, artillery, discipline, and adequate government shows a wise appreciation of the obstacles that were in the path of success. The great

1

1 These relations are contained in a memoir prepared by Daniel Putnam, in

1818.

object, however, was self-defence. The commanders of the army received authentic intelligence, that General Gage had fixed on the night of the 18th of June on which to commence offensive operations; and hence the action of the committee of safety. On this day, Warren, as president of the congress, signed letters addressed to Connecticut, New Hampshire, and the Continental Congress. An elaborate report showed the disorganized state of the army, the position of the colonels relative to commissions, and stated that the Massachusetts forces fell considerably short of the 13,600 men which had been ordered to be enlisted.

On the 16th, Warren presided at the session of the Provincial Congress at Watertown. Several colonels and captains were sworn in and commissioned; and the committee on Gage's proclamation, of which Warren was the chairman, reported a spirited rejoinder. The committee of safety met at Cambridge, and the business on its hands must have been uncommonly urgent. It was reported this day in the camp, "that Warren was chosen a major-general, and that Heath was not chosen to any office; but it was supposed that no difficulty would arise from it." The following note, which I copy from the original in his handwriting, superscribed "General Heath, camp at Roxbury, to be delivered immediately," shows that Warren was in Cambridge, and on the most kindly relations with Heath. It is the last word from Joseph Warren under his own hand:

CAMBRIDGE, June 16.

MY GOOD FRIEND,- Every thing is now going agreeable to our wishes. General Ward has recommended to the congress to take the ] we determined upon yesterday. Nothing is wanting but for

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