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The Dorr Letters ProjectAnn Parlin to Thomas Wilson Dorr: |
Introduction
In this detailed letter, Ann Parlin relates her efforts to administer to male Dorrite prisoners, most notably in the coastal community of Bristol. She informs Dorr of the formation of several organizations, including the “Benevolent Association of Suffrage Ladies.”
Letter
Providence RI Sept 4th 1842
To his Excellency Thomas W. Dorr,
Dear Sir,
You will pardon this
intrusion I hope when I tell you that nothing but pure motives
prompt me to take this liberty, Mrs. Henry Lord & myself
have taken a very active part in this cause, as we have been the
greatest sharers in it. We have visited the Prisoners & admin-
istered to their wants, during this season; we have richly deserved
the wrath of the Algerines; they have scandalized us all &
have accused us of what they are guilty of themselves. We have
organized a Benevolent association of Suffrage ladies; we have
collected small sums which we have bestowed upon the fam-
lies of poor prisoners & other objects that needed our imme-
diate attention; yesterday we went to Bristol to carry a
dinner to the prisoners & found them more comfortable
than we anticipated; however they were delighted to see
us; we carried all that the Chaise would hold & found
the jailor & his family courteous & affable - we supplied
them with all the news that we had, daily papers, &
all others for a week past (about 100 in number from
various places, I have become so public a character it is
unnecessary for me to enter into particulars, as we purpose
to visit you next week. I would state one thing, that
there was an unanimous excitement throughout the village
of Bristol -
& a general wish to see the Heroines of the day; but we
su‸pported our dignity & did our errand of mercy in Lady
like style, & returned triumphantly; the particulars I can
better communicate verbally.
Our husbands have
been prisoners of the War & now we are ready to be so; as
we are after promised that honour. I had almost forgotten
to say that the Bristol prisoners names are Hamilton,
Bradley, Olney, Campbell, Read & Chapell; the latter is the one
who plugged the guns at the attack on the Arsenal.
Carter has turned states’ evidence, be it to his shame forever.
I shall only be able to give you a few lines, as my time
is wholly employed in writing, & visiting various persons &
places. I am not able to give you a formal introduction to
my Ladyship but no doubt Mr. Hoskins has spoken
of me to you; I merely write to say I am of good cheer,
& the day is not far distant when I shall see our rightful
Gove‸rnor occupying the place that belongs to him, With all due
reverence I would pay what respect is due to my superiors,
but as to the paying any deference to an Algerine I shall not
do it; I am disgusted with their proceedings & slanders which
I need not name to you, for it is far beneath your notice.
You will please to excuse all of my warmth, for my whole
soul is wrapt in this glorious cause, & come life or death I am
‸willing & I will go on, until I am victorious. I presume you have seen
my brief speech at the Mass clambake - if you have
not I will forward you papers that contain it. It was the
impulse of the moment, & not premeditated, I went to the Bake
at 8 o'clock, - but owing to an accident we were detained, & did not
arrive until about 10 - I then opened a Post office as a fair concern &
was engaged until 12/Oclock; we then served up the dinner & made
up a basket of Pickwicks for the Prisoners, the next thing was to
send our Governor his Bouquet - & then present others to the
speakers - at 4 P.M.; then I said a few words that have really made
them af
characters; we intend to remain so, we
at all times in open daylight, we are doing all that women can
do, we meet every ‸Monday night & pass resolutions to keep it before
the men of our unfortunate state; we are determined to not
sleep or slumber, but keep doing. I have not o‸pportunity to
say as much as I wish, & perhaps it might be imprudent.
I therefore say I may have some verbal news for you.
The prisoners bid me say they are yet your friends & God
bless you. Mrs Lord & myself will start on Wed‸nesday or
Thursday & shall expect to see your Excellency on Saturday if
not sooner - we propose to pay a short visit in Boston
& then visit New Hampshire; we really need some little rest after
so much excitement & our friends advise us to make this
tour - for my own part I shall be most happy to
I shall call on your Mother before I leave, & take
all dispatches for you that she may wish to send. With much respect,
Dear sir, I am
Your humble Servant
Ann Parlin
Mrs. Lord
Presidentess
Secretary
A. Parlin
Questions
What work did Parlin perform for the Dorrite prisoners?
How does she characterize the Algerines?
How does Parlin sign her letter? Why do you think this is interesting?
What information does Parlin impart about the failed attempt to attack the state arsenal in Providence in the spring of 1842?