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Warren, Joseph (1741-1775) to the Selectmen of Boston

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02499.18 Author/Creator: Warren, Joseph (1741-1775) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Letter signed Date: 24 April 1775 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Written the day after Warren assumed the presidency of the Massachusetts Provisional Congress from John Hancock. He wrote the letter "In Committee of Congress" to the Selectmen of Boston. Thanks them for their generosity toward the poor inhabitants of the city. Says "we cannot but Repeat our advise that the Committee of Donation would employ the Monies lodged in their Hands to facilitate their Removal." Says the Congress will not fail to help them and will try to get "our friends in the Country" to find places to live for them. Says those trying to get into Boston will be allowed to pass with their possessions. Warren died at the Battle of Bunker Hill on 17 June 1775.

Cambridge 24. April. 1775.
Gentlemen: In Committee of Congress -
The Committee of Congress have paid due attention to the Proposal of his Excellency to the Inhabitants of Boston & the Vote of the Town consequent thereto. We cannot but commend the Generosity & Clemency of his Excellency's Disposition wh: inclines him to such a Proposal, and approve the Wisdom of the Town in readily accepting the terms proposed, - respecting the poor Inhabitants of Boston, we cannot but Repeat our advice that the Committee of Donations would employ[struck: d] the Monies lodg'd in their Hands to facilitate their Removal: And when apprised of the time allowed for the departure of our Suffering Brethren from the devoted Metropolis, we shall not fail to lend them our best Assistance, by recommending to our Friends in the Country to furnish Habitations to the unhappy fugitives on the lowest terms; respecting those who incline to seek a Retreat in the Town of Boston, we shall exert our best Endeavours that they may pass with their Effects without Injury or Molestation -
We are Gentlemen with great
Esteem & Affection Your
most obedient Huml Servant -

Joseph Warren Chairman
To the Select Men, & other Respectable
Inhabitants of the Town of Boston -

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