The Dorr Letters Project

Thomas Wilson Dorr to Ida Russell:
Electronic Transcription

Introduction

In this letter to Dorrite Ida Russell, Thomas Dorr describes the efforts he put into writing his lengthy 1843 address on the events in Rhode Island. Dorr’s address, “To the People of Rhode Island,” the fullest and most detailed expression of his political ideology, can be found in the 1844 Burke Report (a Congressional report). Dorr informs Russell of his intention to return from exile. He would make good on his promise in October 1843.

For more on more on Dorr’s return to Rhode Island to stand trial for treason see Erik Chaput and Russell DeSimone, “Newport County in the 1842 Dorr Rebellion.”

Letter

Boston Aug. 29th, ‘43
Dear Miss Russell,

I have done myself much
injustice in making so late a reply to the very friendly
letter of invitation ‸from Mrs. Russell and yourself to pass a few days at Milton, which I
received on the 12th; and it is but half an apology to
suggest that an that I was not without the hope of ‸that affairs would so happen as to
permit me to returning [...] [...] before the present time ‸the autumn & that would
have been ‸most agreable to myself. But I find it will ‸that I can not
be in my power to do so Among other matters, my time ‸I have
been ‸recently very much taken up of late with the preparation of
an Address to the People of R.I.; and I have today perform
ed the last labor of correcting the proofs for the press. I have
sent you a copy; and as the address, tho’ of great length, is
divided into moderate portions, by the [...] titles of subjects
interspersed throughout, it is within the range of possibilities that
you may manage to get through with the whole. Upon
[...] friends I shall inflict but a moderate ‸small portion of it daily.

In a few days I shall set out toward
R. Island, as I have publicly stated; and a course which
‸is imperative under all circumstances of my position.

While therefore I [...] by the “library,” the


“pictures,” the “fine air” & “pleasant prospect” have their attrac
tions for me, and I appreciate ‸what is better than all, [...] the kind welcome [...]
I must postpone the pleasure of a visit. to another ‸day, when if not a better
I hope to pay my respects I am gratified with the interest
and sympathy you have expressed in the cause & rights of
the People of R.I.; They show‸ing thus that the sentiments of an old
fashioned Republican have been transmitted to you as a part
of the paternal inheritance.

With my acknowledgments to Mrs Russell
I am very respectfully your friend,
Tho’s W. Dorr

Questions

Why do you think Dorr took time to pen an essay to the people of Rhode Island over a year after his short-lived rebellion was put down?

Does Dorr give any indication in his letter to Russell that he is afraid of what might happen to him?