Originally published on June 17, 2020 (Episode 163)
Introduction
On June 18, 1775, 245 years ago tomorrow, Abigail Adams took up her pen to write to her husband John, far away in Philadelphia at the Second Continental Congress:
The Day; perhaps the decisive Day is come on which the fate of America depends. My bursting Heart must find vent at my pen. I have just heard that our dear Friend Dr. Warren is no more but fell gloriously fighting for his Country—saying better to die honourably in the field than ignominiously hang upon the Gallows. Great is our Loss. He has distinguished himself in every engagement, by his courage and fortitude, by animating the Soldiers and leading them on by his own example. A particular account of these dreadful, but I hope Glorious Days will be transmitted you, no doubt in the exactest manner.
Joseph Warren was the family physician of the Adams Family, but he was much more. He was arguably the most important man in the Massachusetts rebellion—more so than John Adams, or even John’s cousin Samuel Adams, or John Hancock. At the moment of his death Joseph Warren was in many ways the most prominent of all the American rebels against the British crown.
With me on the 245th anniversary of Joseph Warren’s death to discuss both his life and afterlife is Christian DiSpigna, author of Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero.
About the Guest
Christian DiSpigna is the author of Founding Martyr, and also founder of the non-profit Dr. Joseph Warren Foundation, dedicated to preserving Warren’s legacy. His work focuses on uncovering overlooked stories from the American Revolution and restoring Warren to his rightful place among the Revolution’s central figures.
For Further Investigation
Christian DiSpigna, Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero (Crown, 2018)
John Walsh, “John Trumbull and Historical Fiction”, from a lecture series on the genre of historical paintings, Yale University Art Gallery (2013)
Imagining the Battle of Bunker Hill — lesson plan from the American Revolution Institute
Listen & Discuss
Did this episode spark a thought or a question for you? Add it in the comments — and pass the episode along to someone else who might be interested.
Share this post