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Introduction
Dorr continued to relish in the defeat of the Landholders’ constitution, although the constitution was only narrowly put down, Dorr continued to see the glory of his cause over the evil “Tories” in the state. He informs Dutee Pearce that the Landholders’ constitution was defeated despite the Tories attempted voter fraud. Dorr was thankful to Pearce for his steadfast efforts in support of the People’s Cause. In the letter Dorr references Rhode Island’s two U.S. Senators: William Sprague from Warwick and James F. Simmons from Johnston. Sprague, a Democrat, at one point flirted with supporting the Suffrage Party. His brother Amasa, referenced by Dorr in the letter, was also considered to be an ally. The two brothers, however, did little to support the Suffrage Party. Simmons was a devout Whig and thoroughly opposed to Dorr's understanding of democracy. Both Spragues and Simmons were wealthy industrialists.