IntroductionSenator Sprague wrote to John Brown Francis after receiving word that Thomas Dorr, the “supreme dictator,” had disbanded his forces and fled the state. Sprague related a heated exchange that he had with President Tyler about the necessity of sending federal troops to Rhode Island. Sprague ardently believed that Tyler should have released a statement pledging full support to Governor Samuel Ward King. Tyler eventually did agree to send Secretary of War John Spencer to Rhode Island, but by the time Spencer arrived, Dorr’s forces had disbanded and many of his followers were wallowing in prison. Letter*I forgot to stop your paper, please say if you now wish for me to do it, if so I will attend to it with pleasure. Washington 4th July 1842 Dear Sir,
I congratulate you
32 hours from the time I left Prov. with the other delegates from our State. I called on the Prest and some of the Secretaries and requested the interposition of this government for our protection but could not obtain it. Capt Tyler refused to act because the Legislature did not make another call altho he said in his former letter that he would act under resolution passed by the legislature at the May session when he was informed by the Gov that the exigency had arrived. Nothing but a letter stating that the call must be made by the Legislature could be obtained from the Capt. As I felt much fatigued Mr. Cranston returned with this letter and as you know arrived in Prov. on Tuesday last. On Monday last we made another attempt. We delivered a paper signed by Simmons, Tillinghast and myself stating the reasons why we thought this government was bound to act. The Capt. appeared much embarrassed disconcerted and angry. Thought he had been unkindly treated and professed indecently, and after much conversation we left him, but could get nothing but a distinct refusal to do any thing. Being anxious to procure aid as the news on Tuesday was more warlike I went to see Spencer and Webster. Spenser appeared to be as anxious as I was to have something done but said it would be impossible to get the Capt willing. Webster was cold and in a bad temper, saw no necessity for acting, thought our Legislature fools and the delegation panic struck and ridiculously importuning. Being aroused by his insulting language I flung off all restraints and told him what I thought of the administration. That it regarded our State as of no consequence in the political game it was playing to retain the control of this government. That Dorr’s men said that they has assurances that it would not use force against them, and from what I saw and heard I believe it, and that it appeared to be acting on the same principle to manage matters here which governed Dorr and his infernal followers in R. Island. feeling. He saw that browbeating for once had a bad effect and endeavored to conciliate matters but I would not be reconciled and left him in a disdainful and contemptuous manner. I may have acted too precipitously and disrespectfully but feeling that I was insulted grossly I could not restrain myself. And perhaps after all it had some effect for on Wednesday a Cabinet meeting was called, a Proclamation agreed on, and orders issued to the forces and Spencer sent off in great haste to R. Island where he arrived after the affair was over. Had this been done when I arrived here the Administration would have gained much credit. The Proclamation and orders would have arrived in Prov on Monday morning and been circulated, and the dispersion of Dorr’s troops on Tuesday would have been attributed to this cause. But as it is I think the Administration has grossly failed in the performance of its duty and ought to receive the severe rebuke of the community at large. What I have said relates to what is past but as I thought it would not be uninteresting to you I have put it on paper.
We are in a sad situation here so far as
Wm Sprague QuestionsWhat reasons does Sprague give for why President Tyler did not take immediate action? See the three orders Thomas Dorr issued on June 25 [cross ref] |