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The Dorr Letters ProjectThomas Wilson Dorr to Dutee Pearce: |
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.
Letter
Providence Mar. 23, '42
11 o'clock P.M.
Dear Sir,
I cannot go home tonight without
stopping to congratulate you, as one of the most determined
of our fellow soldiers in the glorious fight, upon a triumph –
a complete, and most honorable and gratifying triumph of the
People’s cause, in the downfall & extinction of the Tory Constitution.
The victory is complete. Our majority is not so large
as it might and would have been in a fair field – but it
is decisive, and has struck ^ a dismay into our opponents, which
forebodes their final dissolution. Notwithstanding the infamous
frauds and corruption practiced by them, I think our majority
will be about 1200 in the State. The majority here is 720,
as it was stated at our headquarters, shortly after the close
of the polls. Three fifths of the votes polled here have been by
our friends against the Tory constitution. This was my mark
before the voting commenced; but I supposed that we should
have 3/5ths of 4000, which would have been a majority of 1000.
But as the ^actual majority is in the same proportion, we have no right
to complain. The final returns are not in from the county;
but we have reason to expect a handsome increase today, which
will more than overbalance any gains ^of the enemy at your end of the State.
Glocester will give 350 majority: Smithfield between 7 & 800. Warwick
closed at 210. Bristol Co. goes heavily against us – about
445 majority. Mr. Luce is up from Bristol, and says many
of our friends there refused to vote, having voted once for a Constitution!
W. Sprague has not succeeded in doing anything against
us; and his return from Washington has subjected him to ridicule. J. F. Simmons
has made a gain for us of about 20 votes in Johnston!
The enemy are beginning to let themselves down easy,
and talk of falling back on the Old charter! – of an amicable appeal to
the Supreme Court of the U.S.! etc. etc. A few mutter
about the U.S. troops to put us down! But they will cave
in before the end of the week.
The friendly warning ^(in yours of yesterday) of the last move
of the enemy was anticipated by us here. We heard of their
design yesterday afternoon to buy off men who had voted, and
to qualify others; and we sent expresses to Warwick & over this
County to urge on the friends to renewed exertion, & to counteract
this maneuver. The enemy have accomplished very little by
it in this section. A few were gained over in Bristol, and
elsewhere; but none to boast of. A. Sprague tried his hand
and failed. Half a dozen such changes have taken place here.
A young man came up to the 2nd ward polls this evening, and
offered his vote for the Const. On being questioned he answered that he was under
21 years, and added, as he turned away, - well I’ll return my
six dollars to the man. On being asked who the man was, he said
he did not know! An enormous amount of money has been
expended by our opponents. I have heard their printing bill stated
as high as $3700! But all for nothing. They are
overthrown and routed.
I hope to see you soon here. I shall call a
meeting of the State Committee for Monday noon next. You
must come up. Atwell wants looking after. He talks of making
a proposition in the Assembly to put out the People’s Constitution
again to the People to vote upon! An insult to the People, who
will be trifled with no longer. You must come up I repeat,
and try to straiten him.
The noble stands taken by the common people of Newport
against the base attempt at purchasing votes prove them well
worthy of the enjoyment of their rights which they will find under
our Constitution. But I must close; and am yours truly,
Questions
Why do you think wealthy industrialists opposed Thomas Dorr and the People’s Constitution?