The Dorr Letters Project

Wm. Gibbs to JB Francis:
Electronic Transcription

Introduction

Former Democratic Governor William Gibbs wrote to Francis to inform him of the support for the Landholders' Constitution in Newport County. Gibbs also wanted information on the vote projections in Kent County where Francis lived. Gibbs is critical of the actions of Newport lawyer Dutee Pearce and Providence lawyer David Parmenter, who were giving speeches in favor of the People's Constitution all across the state. According to Gibbs, there was a faction of conservative Democrats who wanted to support the People's Constitution in order to break the hold the Whig party had on the reins of political power in the state. Gibbs did not share this mindset.

Letter

Newport 11th March 1842
The Hon'ble John B. Francis
Dear Sir

You are aware of the strong feeling
and interest I have in the adoption of the legal constitution.
The question is, whether law is to govern or the mob; under
such a view of our situation, I have felt it my duty to
come out boldly & manly in support of our institutions &
in opposition to the people’s constitution as it is called.
I was much pleased when in Providence to find such
support in yourself & Gov. Fenner. At that time, I
could not give you any assurance of a majority in this
town & county, but it is with pleasure, I can now
assure you that there is no doubt of the result in
Newport, Portsmouth, Middletown & Tiverton. Our maj.
will be considerable, we are gaining strength daily.
Our opponents cannot keep up the excitement even
with the assistance of Parmentier, who has again
been with us – his violence & abuse only injures
his own cause. The Ex -Governors came in for a
full share, calling each of us by name. Then Mr.
Pearce mounted the rostrum & he was even more
coarse than his friend Parmentier. It shows their
weakness when they are obliged to resort to such
language, fit more for Newgate than for an

assembly of freemen. Their friends are falling
off from them daily in this question & if we only
had a little more time, this constitution would
become the law of the land by acclimation – their
endeavor is to keep alive the worst passions of our
citizens & in too many cases, they are successful
but law & moderation will yet prevail - So
much for our country – now please to let me know
what we may expect from Kent. From Mr. P.
disrespectful language, I hope a great deal, but
I have been often disappointed that I have been
induced to apply to you directly for information.
Let me know what course Mr. Rice is now pursuing.
Anthony made an offer of a bet that he could produce
a letter from Wm. Sprague [in]Washington in which, he
declares himself in favor of the peoples & in opposition
to the legal one & that he shall give all his support
to it - it may be true & may not – but Rices (sic)
course, will be an indication of Spragues (sic) views.
I hope you have been able to visit Washington
Updike & Potter consider it all important to
the good cause. There are very many in that city
who would be influenced by yourself and we ought
not to loose (sic) a vote, when we can secure it by a
little trouble – the larger our maj. – the sooner we
shall have quiet. Many with us have been actuated
by a wish to break up the Whig party & support the
people (sic) constitution for that object - For myself I
consider the Whig party hardly in existence, they never
can again be united under its former organization
they cannot get up the hue & cry of hard cider again
& our friends begin to think so will cut with us.
I wrote in hast as my whole time is occupied
with the cause of law & order.

Yours very truly
WC Gibbs

Questions

What were Gibbs' opinions about the Whig party in Rhode Island?

Why did Gibbs want Francis to go to Washington, D.C.?

Cross-Reference:
See Thomas Dorr's March 15 letter to Dutee Pearce