Recommendations for Watchmen for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen

Providence: June, 1842. Five pages of manuscript containing the recommendary signatures of 28 persons, 8 x 10 inches, with cover 13 x 18 inches, folded in half; previous folds, some browning; very good and legible. The Dorr Rebellion began in early 1842, and these recommendations for additional watchmen for the City of Providence date just after the Dorrites' unsuccessful attack against the arsenal at the Dexter Training Ground in May. Prior to the establishment of a regular police force, Providence relied on a system of watchmen for law enforcement. These handwritten letters of recommendation were all for men subsequently appointed. Of William Dunwell, for example, Daniel Holmes writes: "I am acquainted with Wm Dunwell and know him to be a very even and mild tempered man--such as a watchman ought to have he was one of the gard (sic) at the Arsenal when the attempt was made to take it. June 18, 1842. Daniel Holmes." Another note states that Dunwell was employed by Peaver & Bullock. One note is signed June 11, 1842. John M. Shaw also received a reference signed by James Wheaton, H.(?) B. Dike, Seth W. Shaw, Menzies Sweet, William Andrews, Samuel Ames, Sturgis B. Carpenter, and Nathan Mason. Thomas R. Tripp was recommended with twelve signatures including John Barnet Chace and Wm. Woodward, Jr. Item #55316

Price: $450.00