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The Dorr Letters ProjectThomas Wilson Dorr to Lydia Allen Dorr: |
Letter
June 8th '45. -
My Dear M.
I have been surprised and gratified by the recent visits of yourself
and F. the last afforded me the special pleasure of seeing that you both looked
better in health & spirits. Last work week I had a knee swelled, and a lame
ankle at the same time, which occasioned rather a hobbling gait. Notwithstand-
ing this Jo. Pitman, who was bro’t in on Tuesday, to write a press for the prison, set me down
as moving off very briskly. – Pitman, while I was in the shop, was introduced into my cell by the
warden; and they rummaged it pretty thoroughly, overhauling what they pleased,
except the carpet bag. My bible & prayer book were drawn from the bed, where
I had placed them out of the way of intruders. But all these rascalities will have
their end I supposed. I remonstrated with Cleveland on Monday against
exhib-
iting me in my cell, or the cell without me, and warned him twice not to press
too hard; of course without present effect. But this plain kind of talk is good for him,
and will work in the way in which he can be reached, thro’ his fears.
I told him that Brownlow, the Tennessee visitor, looked like a man, who
felt as if he deserved to be caned, at the time of the rude survey to which I was
subjected; leaving it to Cleveland to infer what he & Christ. Rhodes were in company
might have equally merited.
I most sincerely hope that you are not treasuring up another
disappointment for June. Remember what kind of people are the ruling powers and
you will be led to suspect almost any evasion rather than a compliance with
justice, or even sound policy. Jackson’s reply to the liberators was rather
dry: I expected to hear that he had gone more into particulars. He’s acting a
part in a political finesse, and feels called upon to say & do no more than will answer
the objects of Simmons & Co.
Will F. be so good as to keep the enclosed in his safest pocket, and to hand it to
Sayles, with a caution to keep it with equal security. With love to F. ever yours,
T.W.D.