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The Dorr Letters ProjectThomas Wilson Dorr to Dutee Pearce: |
Introduction
Dorr’s level of enthusiasm and excitement continued to grow in this letter to Pearce. He expresses no misgivings about the arming of men and militia units loyal to the Suffrage cause. He believes that Suffrage militias have the upperhand against the Charter militia units organized by Governor Samuel Ward King. Towards the end of the letter, Dorr references Democrat New Hampshire Senator Levi Woodbury. In the spring of 1842, Dorr wrote repeatedly to Woodbury requesting his support. Dorr hoped that Woodbury would intervene with President John Tyler on their behalf. The Charter authorities were also writing to President Tyler asking him to support their government and to send military forces to quell any military efforts by troops loyal to Dorr.
Letter
Providence, Apr. 4, '42
Dear Sir,
At the close of another of our great meetings,
and it was great indeed, I take up my pen to write you a
few lines. A noble spirit prevails here – a degree of enthusiasm, which
we have not before witnessed. The same spirit prevails all over the
county and in Warwick. A determined defense, in return for the
first blow, is the purpose of the People. Woonsocket armed & equipped
200 men yesterday; 100 men today. 200 farmers were present at
Lime Rock this afternoon, who proclaimed themselves ready to rescue
any officer of the People. Warwick ditto. N. Providence organizes
tomorrow. The Tories are alarmed, and stirring. The Governor has issued
an order to our companies here to make a return of their force etc -
The return is lean. Not more than 150 men of the military order
can be found against us in the city. The bulk of the soldiers is
for us. The arsenal is guarded by 30 men! The Quartermaster Gen.
has employed men to make cartridges. The experiment to frighten
the People has failed thus far. I believe that a panic is setting
in among the Tories; and that the determined preparation of the
People will save the peace, & bring everything to a harmless and
quiet issue.
Every body exclaims, where is the Ticket? No
man from out of town was present today at the appointed meeting.
The public impatience is too great to contain itself much longer.
We must nominate.
We all go for peace; but the ticket will be sustained;
and violence will be reluctantly repelled, but with certainty.
It is reported that Gov. King has sent an express to Washington tonight.
Lose no time in writing to Woodbury to call the attention of our friends in
the Senate to the state of our affairs, and to give a hint to the President that
there are two sides to the question in R. Island. With the blessing
of God our Constitution will prevail.
T. W. Dorr
Questions
Why do you think Dorr was willing to allow armed militia supportive of the People’s cause?