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The Dorr Letters ProjectSamuel Man to The Honorable F. James Simmons |
Introduction
In this letter to U.S. Senator James Simmons of Johnston, Rhode Island, Samuel Man, one of the leading Law and Order men, summarizes the parade that took place upon Thomas Dorr's return to Providence on May 16, 1842. The "General Carrington" referred to in the letter was Edward Carrington Sr., a member of the advisory council to Governor Samuel Ward King, and the father-in-law of Dorr's youngest sister Candace. Man is clearly upset at John Whipple's attempt to broker a compromise with Burrington Anthony and John Harris, elected officials under the Peoples Constitution. Charles Jackson was a conservative Democrat and future governor of Rhode Island. Lemuel Arnold and James Fenner, both former governors, were members of Governor King's advisory council. Arnold and Fenner were firmly against any compromise. In his fiery proclamation, which was printed in the Providence Express, Dorr declared that if a "soldier of the United States" was ordered to "act against the People" of Rhode Island in "aid of the charter government", he could call for military aid from across the northern states.
Letter
Providence, May 16th, 1842
My Dear, Sir Confiden
tial
In consequence of the military proceeding yester
day from Woonsocket / Sunday as it was / to Providence
I started for town, and have remained here
until now 3
o’clock. Dorr has made his grand entrance today
a la mode Napoleon proceeded by his proclamation
which you will see published in the
Express of this morning.
It amounts to nothing more nor less than an open declaration
of war, against the state, and also the United States.
It is
a firm & well written document. You will notice one
significant expression included in a parenthesis that
“In case of the failure of the
civil posse, (which expression
was intended by the President, as he has I have been
informed to embrace the military power) to execute the
laws
of the charter assembly, etc." The parade was
in conformity with the public amusement. The procession
numbered 1240. Three companies in uniform
with arms.
Dorr wearing his sword, riding in a barouche, with his
Secretary of State by his side. After passing through the
streets he was escorted
to his lodgings on Federal Hill, where
he delivered a belligerent address, stating that he
had sacrificed every thing for the people but his life
which he was also ready to do if necessary brandishing
his drawn sword. He notified the military to be ready
for his orders at an hour's notice, and after he
finished his public address he invited the military
officers into his house. He was loudly cheered on retiring.
The suffrage gentlemen wore a lofty bearing today
I assure you, and not among the least paramount
causes I think is the fact that John Whipple riding
in the street with Burrington Anthony. And Charley
Jackson talking compromise! It is also understood
that the honorable Mayor Burgess – Gen. Stoddard
and I think Gen. Whittaker, Matthew Cranston, George
Rushman, George Holmes, John Clarke, Amasa
Manton and though last not least your colleague
Sprague etc. entertain the compromise feeling it is
also said Webster does. The governor & Council were together today – present
Gov. King, Gov. Fenner, Gov. Arnold & Genl. Carrington – and
John Whipple. John Whipple made a communication
of a proposition he had received from Burrington
Anthony, John S. Harris and someone else for a
compromise as follows –The Govt. appoint a
committee to investigate the votes polled for their
constitution and if it has not rec’d. a fair majority
as by them proscribed they would abandon it – if it had,
then a case was to be made and carried to the
Supreme Court of the U. States, and they were to
determine which was the legal government! In the mean time the
present Gov. was to continue in power
but not to make further arrest under what they are
pleased to term the Algerine law. But it was distinctly
stated that the proposition had been submitted to Dorr
both in New York and Stonington, and that he could agree
to no such thing. Gov. Fenner & Gov. Arnold
were dead against it, Gov. Arnold saying he wished
to hear no proposition for any compromise as it
would not only commit the honor of R. Island but of
the U. States Gov. after the issuing of the proclamation
of today. Genl. Carrington expressed no opinion –
nor did Gov. King, who is quite as unfit for his
situation as I thought he was. When I wrote you I had
lost confidence in him. He takes no stand – gives
no opinion and is a perfect non committed!
You will see at once if it is assured to the sovereign power
of our Government is abandoned, – and I think the
Gov. itself! 1st Because Dorr who is the all in all
leader, will not agree to it – and if he did and it should
be decided no such fair majority had been obtained,
the way is open for another & still another just
such town meeting, with the confidence entertaining
such a proposition will insure the disorganizers with
– and the disgust & discouragement with which the
friends of law will be filled – the disorganizers will continue to
agitate & press the question again & again if necessary
till they do obtain such majority – urging upon the party
that the Govt. have yielded the point that if a majority
is so obtained the question will be submitted and
if not then done they can place themselves at any
time hereafter in this present position force themselves into
power if physically strong enough. Gov. Arnold
made a proposition for consideration to raise 1000
troops and station them in Providence and then
arrest Dorr at all hazard - of one thing there
seems to be but one opinion. Dorr must be arrested
or we shall have no peace in the state, unless we abandon
the Government. So you see there is a dreadful
crisis approaching, and that from present appearances I have as yet presented you with no [?]
picture. Perhaps the proclamation, if considered
as a declaration of war, both against the state & the
U. states will induce the President to send a suff
icient force to Newport to enable the gov. to arrest Dorr without bloodshed if his leaders know the troops
will be used if necessary - if the Pres. does not do this
there remain but three things to do – arrest Dorr at
the risk & with the prospect of a civil war – make a
disgraceful compromise with irresponsible persons
of the loco Party to which Dorr will not be a party –
or abandon the Government. I see no other alternative. I could wish as our authorities have appealed to
the Gov. they would respond at once. I feel no
fear of Dorr’s troops from other states – next to that
I prefer an arrest after a military organization
upon a scale commensurate with the occasion –
I have no choice between the disgraceful
alternatives, compromises & abandonment
especially in their present position.
Do write me fully. & consider this strictly confidential & believe me dear sir Yrs. Truly.,
S. F. Man
Hon. James F. Simmons
A full council is to be notified to meet day after tomorrow morning.
Questions
Does Dorr appear to be ready to compromise? What actions, if any, did President Tyler take in May 1842?