Introduction

In this short letter to his mother, Lydia, Thomas Dorr expresses his heartfelt gratitude for her continued affection during tumultuous times. On May 7, Dorr left Providence for Washington, D.C. to meet with prominent Democrats, including Levi Woodbury and Silas Wright, Jr. Dorr also had a meeting with President John Tyler in the White House. Though he did not exactly say it, it is clear that Dorr's brothers and sisters did not condone his actions. Dorr was clearly not welcome at the family home on Benefit Street.