IntroductionIn this letter to U.S. Senator James Simmons of Johnston, Rhode Island, Samuel Man, one of the leading Law and Order men, summarizes the parade that took place upon Thomas Dorr's return to Providence on May 16, 1842. The "General Carrington" referred to in the letter was Edward Carrington Sr., a member of the advisory council to Governor Samuel Ward King, and the father-in-law of Dorr's youngest sister Candace. Man is clearly upset at John Whipple's attempt to broker a compromise with Burrington Anthony and John Harris, elected officials under the Peoples Constitution. Charles Jackson was a conservative Democrat and future governor of Rhode Island. Lemuel Arnold and James Fenner, both former governors, were members of Governor King's advisory council. Arnold and Fenner were firmly against any compromise. In his fiery proclamation, which was printed in the Providence Express, Dorr declared that if a "soldier of the United States" was ordered to "act against the People" of Rhode Island in "aid of the charter government", he could call for military aid from across the northern states. LetterProvidence, May 16th, 1842 My Dear, Sir Confiden tial
In consequence of the military proceeding yester for his orders at an hour's notice, and after he finished his public address he invited the military officers into his house. He was loudly cheered on retiring. The suffrage gentlemen wore a lofty bearing today I assure you, and not among the least paramount causes I think is the fact that John Whipple riding in the street with Burrington Anthony. And Charley Jackson talking compromise! It is also understood that the honorable Mayor Burgess – Gen. Stoddard and I think Gen. Whittaker, Matthew Cranston, George Rushman, George Holmes, John Clarke, Amasa Manton and though last not least your colleague Sprague etc. entertain the compromise feeling it is also said Webster does. The governor & Council were together today – present Gov. King, Gov. Fenner, Gov. Arnold & Genl. Carrington – and John Whipple. John Whipple made a communication of a proposition he had received from Burrington Anthony, John S. Harris and someone else for a compromise as follows –The Govt. appoint a committee to investigate the votes polled for their constitution and if it has not rec’d. a fair majority as by them proscribed they would abandon it – if it had, then a case was to be made and carried to the Supreme Court of the U. States, and they were to determine which was the legal government! In the mean time the present Gov. was to continue in power but not to make further arrest under what they are pleased to term the Algerine law. But it was distinctly stated that the proposition had been submitted to Dorr both in New York and Stonington, and that he could agree to no such thing. Gov. Fenner & Gov. Arnold were dead against it, Gov. Arnold saying he wished to hear no proposition for any compromise as it would not only commit the honor of R. Island but of the U. States Gov. after the issuing of the proclamation of today. Genl. Carrington expressed no opinion – nor did Gov. King, who is quite as unfit for his situation as I thought he was. When I wrote you I had lost confidence in him. He takes no stand – gives no opinion and is a perfect non committed! You will see at once if it is assured to the sovereign power of our Government is abandoned, – and I think the Gov. itself! 1st Because Dorr who is the all in all leader, will not agree to it – and if he did and it should be decided no such fair majority had been obtained, the way is open for another & still another just such town meeting, with the confidence entertaining such a proposition will insure the disorganizers with – and the disgust & discouragement with which the friends of law will be filled – the disorganizers will continue to agitate & press the question again & again if necessary till they do obtain such majority – urging upon the party that the Govt. have yielded the point that if a majority is so obtained the question will be submitted and if not then done they can place themselves at any time hereafter in this present position force themselves into power if physically strong enough. Gov. Arnold made a proposition for consideration to raise 1000 troops and station them in Providence and then arrest Dorr at all hazard - of one thing there seems to be but one opinion. Dorr must be arrested or we shall have no peace in the state, unless we abandon the Government. So you see there is a dreadful crisis approaching, and that from present appearances I have as yet presented you with no [?] picture. Perhaps the proclamation, if considered as a declaration of war, both against the state & the U. states will induce the President to send a suff icient force to Newport to enable the gov. to arrest Dorr without bloodshed if his leaders know the troops will be used if necessary - if the Pres. does not do this there remain but three things to do – arrest Dorr at the risk & with the prospect of a civil war – make a disgraceful compromise with irresponsible persons of the loco Party to which Dorr will not be a party – or abandon the Government. I see no other alternative. I could wish as our authorities have appealed to the Gov. they would respond at once. I feel no fear of Dorr’s troops from other states – next to that I prefer an arrest after a military organization upon a scale commensurate with the occasion – I have no choice between the disgraceful alternatives, compromises & abandonment especially in their present position. Do write me fully. & consider this strictly confidential & believe me dear sir Yrs. Truly., S. F. Man Hon. James F. Simmons A full council is to be notified to meet day after tomorrow morning. QuestionsDoes Dorr appear to be ready to compromise? What actions, if any, did President Tyler take in May 1842? |