WARREN, Josxeu, a major-general in the Ame rican army, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1740, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1759. Directing his attention to medical studies, he in a few years became one of the most eminent physicians in Boston. But he lived at a period when greater objects claimed his attention, than those which related particularly to his profession. His country needed his efforts, and his zeal and courage would not permit him to shrink from any labours or dangers. His eloquence, and his talents as a writer, were displayed on many occasions, from the year in which the stamp act was passed, to the commencement of the war. He was a bold politician. While many were wavering with re gard to the measures which should be adopted, he contended that every kind of taxation, whether ex ternal or internal, was tyranny, and ought imme diately to be resisted; and he believed that Ame rica was able to withstand any force that could be sent against her. From the year 1768, he was a principal member of a secret meeting or caucus in Boston, which had great influence on the concerns of the country. With all his boldness, and deci sion, and zeal, he was circumspect and wise. In this assembly, the plans of defence were matured. After the destruction of the tea, it was no longer kept secret. He was twice chosen the public ora tor of the town on the anniversary of the massacre, and his orations breathe the energy of a great and daring mind. It was he who, on the evening before the battle of Lexington, obtained information of the intended expedition against Concord, and at ten o'clock at night dispatched an express to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who were at Lex ington, to warn them of their danger. Ile himself on the next day, the memorable 19th of April, was very active. It is said in General Heath's me
moirs, that a ball took off part of his ear lock. In the confused state of the army, which soon assem bled at Cambridge, he had vast influence in pre serving order among the troops. After the depar ture of Hancock to Congress, he was chosen presi dent of the provincial congress in his place. Four days previously to the battle of Bunker's or Breed's Hill, he received his commission of major-general. When the intrenchments were made upon the fatal spot, to encourage the men within the lines, he went down from Cambridge and joined them as a volunteer, on the eventful day of the battle, June 17th. Just as the retreat commenced, a ball struck him on the head, and he died in the trenches, aged 35 years. He was the first victim of rank that fell in the struggle with Great Britain. In the spring of 1776 his bones were taken up and entombed in Boston, on which occasion, as he had been grand master of the Free Masons in America, a brother mason, and an eloquent orator, pronounced a fune ral eulogy. With zeal in the cause of liberty which blazed, Dr. Warren was )et judicious in counsel, and candid and generous towards those who had different sentiments respecting the controversy. His mind was vigorous, his disposition humane, and his manners affable and engaging. In his in tegrity and patriotism entire confidence was placed. To the most undaunted bravery he added the virtues of domestic life, the eloquence of an accomplished orator, and the wisdom of an able statesman. He published an oration in 1772, and another in 1775, commemorative of the 5th of March, Biog. Diet.