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The Dorr Letters ProjectElisha R. Potter Junior to John Brown Francis: |
Introduction
In this short letter to Francis, Elisha Potter, Jr. commented on the upcoming vote on the Landholders' Constitution. Potter firmly believed that the Whig party was not spending enough money to drum up support for the Landholders' Constitution.
Letter
Dear Sir
The die is cast as far as our political
fortunes are concerned in the question relating to
the two constitutions and we must make the
best fight we can.
A letter from you to Thurston could
do no harm.
We had a meeting very well attended at
Wakefield Saturday night and I am told it has
had a very good effect. I have just returned from
Wickford where I have preached this evening.
Some of the moderate ones of our party
attend the meetings but the more violent ones keep
aloof. John Hall came in. He asked me how long
I had been a Whig. I answered – not long. This only
shows the spirit of some people.
Would not a letter from you to Pearce
do good. I know he is disposed to be pretty moderate
unless he is pushed forward.
JS Taylor will be in Providence tomorrow
I expect. Better see him.
We have appointed a meeting at
Brands Iron Works Saturday & Charlestown Friday
and shall go to Exeter. In Charlestown I consider
the prospect fair.
I wish you would see some one in
Providence and find out whether I can rely on
more money if necessary and I want some person
to manage it without having anything to do with
a committee. If a great exertion is to be made
money will be absolutely necessary and it appears
to me that the matter is in such a situation
that they ought not to hesitate about amount.
I wish you would inform me soon. $200 is
nothing.
Was ever a thing more foolishly managed
than the Herald business.
These folks could spend money like
water to carry Whig elections. This is of more
consequence than a dozen of them.
I consider our prospect fair in
this county. We shall do every thing we
can.
We should be very glad to see you
down here but would you or your family take
much comfort here in midst of all this
hurlyburly. I cannot think of hardly anything
else but constitution. You hear not much else.
ERP
Tuesday evening 11 P.M.
March 9, 1842
If the good folks here undertake to kick
me out of the democratic party in this town, if
they do not find bye & bye they are kicking
against the pricks I am very much
mistaken in present appearances.
Questions
What parts of the state did Potter believe would support the Landholders' Constitution?