Martyr of Bunker Hill

Martyr of Bunker Hill
06/17/1775 AD died

General Gage reportedly said Warren's death was equal to the death of 500 men. It encouraged the revolutionary cause because it was viewed by many Americans as an act of martyrdom.

Warren was known to have repeatedly declared of the British:

"These fellows say we won't fight! By Heaven, I hope I shall die up to my knees in blood!"

During the British third assault, the colonists' ammunition had run out, but Warren remained on Breed Hill to give time for the militia to escape. He was killed instantly by a musket or pistol ball in the head by a British officer (possibly Lieutenant Lord Rawdon) who recognized him, or by an officer's servant.

British Captain Walter Laurie, later said he "stuffed the scoundrel with another rebel into one hole, and there he and his seditious principles may remain."

In a letter to John Adams, Benjamin Hichborn describes the damage that British Lieutenant James Drew, of the sloop Scorpion, inflicted on Warren's body two days after the Battle of Bunker Hill:

"In a day or two after, Drew went upon the Hill again opened the dirt that was thrown over Doctor: Warren, spit in his face jumped on his stomach and at last cut off his head and committed every act of violence upon his body."

This account is supported by a 2011 forensic analysis. His body was stripped of clothing and he was bayoneted until unrecognizable, and then shoved into a shallow ditch.

At the time of Warren's death, his children were staying with his fiancée, Mercy Scollay, in Worcester as refugees from the Siege of Boston. She continued to look after them, gathering support for their education from John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Benedict Arnold, and even the Continental Congress.

Boston, MA

Lattitude: 42.3601° N
Longitude: 71.0589° W
Region: North America

Modern Day United States

Events in 1775 MORE