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The Dorr Letters ProjectAaron White Jr. to Thomas Wilson Dorr: |
Introduction
This letter, written by Woonsocket attorney Aaron White, Jr., informs Thomas Dorr that the Charter Government intends to arrest him and try him for treason. White makes reference to Colonel Bankhead, the commanding federal officer at Fort Adams in Newport. White is clearly concerned with Dorr's personal safety. White also knew that if Dorr was to be captured the suffrage reform movement would quickly fall apart.
Letter
Woonsocket May 15, 1842 Thomas W. Dorr Esq
Dear Sir,
During the noise & bustle of
your reception & escort my service will be of little use, but
as soon as the parade is over I hope to see you.
In the mean time I wish to urge upon you the greatest
caution, especially in guarding your person. You ought
not to pass a single hour by night or day without being
under guard of your friends & your place of habitation ought
to be some strong house not easily surrounded, with various
ways of escape, & the means of conveyance into the country
ought always to be in readiness.
I have no doubt of the fixed determination of our opponents
to arrest you & further to try you at the next session of
the S.J.C. at South Kingston, the last of this month.
I believe this was solemnly determined at Newport.
Further I wish to advise that all our proceedings be purely
defensive—and that we avoid all conflict as long as possible
and if possible let the conflict first come some distance
from Providence. The preparations of our adversaries are
all made for Providence. You may depend that Col.
Bankhead with his troops will be in Providence within
a few hours after an outbreak. We should incur great
danger of defeat & if defeated many would leave us & few
come to our aid in season. Every day is now adding to
efficiency while we delay. You have returned & can see
to the organization of our men & also restrain all rash
proceedings, which timid men in times of danger are
very apt to adopt. Among the needed items Mr. Sedg-
wick ought to get printed forthwith new blank
Commissions for Captain & Subalterns in the militia
in regular shape.
With much respect & no small anxiety
for your safety I remain truly yours
A. White Jr.
Questions
Why did White think it important to avoid a conflict for as long as possible? What did White mean by "timid men in times of danger making rash decisions"?