View TEI
The Dorr Letters ProjectAnn Parlin to Thomas Wilson Dorr: |
Introduction
In this important letter, the fiery Ann Parlin describes a meeting of Democrats that she attended in New York City. See the full text of Parlin’s speech here. Parlin states that she hopes to see Dorr soon in Pawtucket, which was then part of Massachusetts. Marcus Morton (Democrat), a supporter of Dorr, would go on to win the gubernatorial election in Massachusetts. Radical labor reformer and newspaper editor Levi Slamm was in Chepachet in June 1842. Slamm edited the New York Plebeian. Parlin is critical of suffrage men who will not act. Note: The pig roast that Parlin refers to in the letter took place in the spring of 1841 in Providence.
Letter
New York Nov 6th 1842
To his Excellency Thomas W Dorr,
Dear Sir,
I am aware that
I owe you an apology for so long a silence, but I think
you will forgive me, when I tell you that various duties
have occupied the whole of my time for several weeks
past. I have been exceedingly busy, but not for one mom-
ent have I forgotten your Excellency in your retirement
or the great cause which we have so much at heart.
I have been in this City two weeks, & shall stay one
week more longer. The people are still interested in the
RI affairs - it has stimulated them considerably
by seeing a female taking so much interest in
state affairs, as I have, & a meeting was called on
Friday evening for me to address. I will send you
a paper containing the remarks, & I hope you it will
meet your approbation.
I have seen many of your friends here, who express
warm feelings for you. Gen. Storms, the Hon. Eli
Moore, Maj. Hopkins, Mr. Slamm & many others
all wish to hear from you, & wish to see you in
Providence & occupying the office which rightfully
belongs to you. I presume you have heard of the
late proceedings in our state, therefore I need not tell
you that they go on as usual, regarless of all
that is just & right. I am almost discouraged
at times, but we can judge better of the matter
when the Elections have taken place. I am cheered
with the prospect of New York & Massachusetts.
Daniel Webster is now here, and perhaps it will
do as much good to our party as that of the Whigs.
it will serve to stimulate the sleepy ones, to say
the least.
My husband’s case of false imprisonment will
shortly be brought before the Court in this City
& I presume my appearance here, will have some
little effect in his favour. O’Sulivan, Vanderpool
and Maj. Devizac are his counsel.
I hope to see you in good health & spirits at Paw-
tucket, as soon as Gov. Morton is elected - & should that
be the case, I most confidently anticipate a success-
ful reaction, were it possible, I would wish our
people to commence another action, & fight it
out, if they would - or if they do, I will pledge
myself to lead the army to death or victory.
In case that we are not heard in Congress this next
session, there will be a movement on the part
of the women - which will necessarily move the
men to action, for the present state of affairs
cannot much longer be tolerated, & if I remain
in RI, I may yet have the honour or disgrace
of striking the first blow. I shall not be a silent
spectator, one half of our valiant men in peace
are cowards in war, & they often tell me, that
I judge too hard, but I am sure, had they
shown as much courage last spring & summer as
they did at the roasting of the Ox - they would
not have been imprisoned - I saw in the last paper
from RI that our poor fellows had to
wait ‸in prison now until the 12th of December, before
they can have their trial - I am anxious to see
some of our men & learn their feelings upon
this last movement.
Since I commenced this letter, Mr. Slamm has given me
his journey to Providence, in detail, which was very
amusing, has just informed me that your brother
was at our meeting the other evening, I believe
he (Mr. S) is writing to you to send at the same time
with this.
You will please to give my regards to the Families
whom I am acquainted with in your neighborhood,
& when it is convenient for you to write to me
without interfering with more important matters
I shall be happy to hear from you, & will endeavour
to answer you sooner than I now have, but I do not
wish to write to you, unless I have something
worth telling you.
Questions
Why do you think Parlin traveled to New York City?
How would you characterize the speech Parlin delivered to the large crowd?
What do you think Parlin hoped that the U.S. Congress would do in regards to the Dorrite cause?
Who is the Daniel Webster mentioned in the letter?