Tyler, John (1790-1862) to Elisha R. Potter
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01131 Author/Creator: Tyler, John (1790-1862) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 20 May 1842 Pagination: 3 p. ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written at the height of the Dorr controversy, when Thomas W. Dorr's followers who wanted to put a new Rhode Island state constitution in place to expand suffrage, illegally elected Dorr the governor. Tyler explains his response to the affair, his desire for amnesty, peace, and to undercut public sympathy for the Dorrites who invoked the right of rebellion. Concedes that "Dorr's recent proceedings have been so extravagant a character as allmost to extinguish the las hope of a peaceable result." Notes that the developments make it difficult for Rhode Island Governor Samuel Ward King to yield gracefully. The Dorr rebellion followed. Probably in the hand of one of Tyler's sons, John Jr. or Robert, who served as secretaries. Marked "private." Potter was a Rhode Island jurist and political leader.
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