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The Dorr Letters ProjectThomas Wilson Dorr to Dutee Pearce: |
Introduction
Early in April 1842, the Charter government enacted a law often referred to as the Algerine Law, that made it a treasonable offense to take office under the People’s Constitution. As tensions mounted in Rhode Island, contradictory reports trickled in from the nation’s capital about President Tyler’s position. In this letter to Pearce, Dorr expresses fear that Tyler's Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, was orchestrating the use of federal power to put down the Suffrage men. The unnamed U.S. Senator that Dorr mentions that Burrington Anthony had heard from was likely Ohio’s William Allen.
Letter
Providence Ap. 15, '425 P.M.
Hon. D. J. Pearce,
Dear Sir,
We have, or rather Mr
Anthony has, an excellent letter today from a Senator
in Congress, dated the 12th, and urging us to go on in the
good work. He says ^that probably the President will issue a
proclamation in which ^the People will be threatened with government
power; ^and that it is Webster’s measure. He goes on to say that we
need not be afraid of any force from Washington, whatever
may be threatened. He adds – this is not my advice
alone.
We had a very spirited ^meeting for two
hours, this morning at the Mechanic’s Hall, commencing at
10 o’clock: ^there will be another this evening at the town house.
If we give a round thumping vote next Monday, the
Tories will begin to feel like knocking under.
T. W. Dorr
Tear off this –
The Senator above named is ____.
But you are not at liberty to
mention his name to any one –
A good extra is coming out this afternoon. Please circulate.
Everything looks well. The Tories are quiet today.
Questions
What was John Tyler’s relationship to the Democratic Party?