Introduction

In this letter to Woonsocket attorney Aaron White Jr., the son of the prominent Boston abolitionist Mary White, Thomas Dorr recounts his May 10 meeting with President John Tyler. Dorr reports that Tyler's cabinet was divided in terms of authorizing the use of force against the People's Government. Dorr then reports on a compromise effort led by Secretary of State Daniel Webster, who arranged a meeting at a New York City hotel between Dorr, Dutee Pearce, and John Whipple. Dorr informs White that he would return to Providence after meeting with Whipple and Webster. Dorr says that he will call on militia units to protect him from arrest.