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The Dorr Letters ProjectMB Ives to JB Francis: |
Introduction
Providence businessman Moses Brown Ives, who coincidently was married to Thomas Dorr's younger sister Annie, wrote to John Brown Francis to express his view that the federal government needed to intervene on the side of the Charter authorities. Francis was on his way to the nation's capital. Ives feared that Thomas Dorr would prevail if President John Tyler did not send troops to Rhode Island. Ives referred to the so-called Algerine law, a statute that was passed by the General Assembly on April 2, 1842. The draconian statute labeled all those who supported Dorr and the People's Constitution as traitors.
Letter
Providence April 6, 1842
Dr. Sir
I this morning received a letter from Mr. Potter
written yesterday in N York. Your letter could not have been
delivered to him. I presume however that you will meet
Mr. P. this morning, in N York, & go on together.
The mere attention that I give to the state of things
here, the more I am convinced, that we must have
the aid of the General Government, before quiet is
restored. Depression seems to have taken possession
of a large number of persons engaged in what is called
the "suffrage movement" – they are deft to reason –
convinced by their designing leader, that they are
right – they appear willing to hazard any consequences.
There can be no compromise with such a party
& in my judgment any attempt at compromise
would be treason to the State.
I cannot doubt that the General Government
will take the same view on the subject, which our
legislature has taken, if that when the facts are made
known to them, we may rely upon their quarter for
protection. Nor can I doubt that there will
be unanimity among the members of the assembly.
The law that was passed by the General Assembly
on Saturday, has already had an effect – a Salutary
effect – no half way measures should be thought of
for a moment. Nothing but firm, decided
action will accomplish the object – at the same time
there should be no violence on the part of the
Constituted Authorities.
In the ordinary assignments of party, expedients
of a temporary nature may be resorted to – but
when, as now, the State is threatened - when the
majority of the laws is set at naught – the
Constituted Authorities held up to scorn & derision
– it is time for all honest men to throw them -
selves Into the breach.
Let me assure you against the advice of the
gentlemen with whom you conversed on Monday.
- I have seen him this forenoon – he is a temperate
– he has not a view of the whole ground – he
premises well & no doubt means well, but other &
greater men than him must come to the
rescue, the imputation which he has thought
people to make to – seems to me beneath
contempt – the person referred to, has never been
an office seeker & whatever may be thought of
him, his conduct in this business? Has been
manly & above board. Mr. Potter who has
seen the whole course of things will bear me
out in this assertion.
I have stated what I believe to be true &
under a sense of deep responsibility.
Moses B. Ives
I understand that D. Brown? went on with you
intending to proceed to Washington - avoid him.
him.
I say with Burke? no peace with Regicide.
Questions
What are Ives' feelings about his brother-in-law? What affect does Ives say the Algerine law has had?
What do you think Ives means by "no peace with regicide"?