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The Dorr Letters ProjectCaroline Ashley to Thomas Wilson Dorr: |
Introduction
A group of Providence women loyal to the suffrage reform cause mailed Dorr a pocket Bible for him to read in New Hampshire.
For more on Dorr’s time in New Hampshire see Erik Chaput’s article “Governor in Exile: Thomas Wilson Dorr in New Hampshire,” Historical New Hampshire 66 (Winter 2012-2013), 91-119.
Letter
Providence Sept 5th 1842
To Thomas Wilson Dorr the Governor of the State of Rhode Island
Dear Sir
The Young Ladies of Providence who
sympathize with you in your recent efforts in behalf of the
people of Rhode Island request your acceptance of a pocket Bible
as a slight testimony of the deep interest we feel in the cause in
which you are engaged
They sincerely regret that the principles
contained in this Holy Book should in this community be
so little regarded; and that one of it’s ablest advocates remains
of necessity an exile from his own home
That the time may not
be not be far distant when you may be reinstated in your
rights and be not only the elected, but the acting chief Magistrate
of R.I. and this community shall learn to “love their neighbor
as themselves” - when oppression shall cease, and each for-
give as they hope to be forgiven is the ardent prayer of
your humble freinds the suffrage “Young Ladies of Prov-
idence.
ciation Caroline Ashley.
Questions
How do the women address Dorr?
Why do you think the women chose to send Dorr a Bible?