DEAR SIR:  We arrived at Newport on Wednesday morning in time to attend the meeting of our legislature.

The subject of calling a convention immediately, and upon a liberal basis as to the right of voting for the delegates, was seriously agitated amongst us.  The only objection made was that they did not wish to concede while the people’s party continued their threats.  All allowed that the concession must be made, and the only difference of opinion was as to time.

For my own part, I fear we shall never see the time when concession could have been made with better grace or with better effect than now.  If two or three noisy folks among the suffrage party could only have their mouths stopped for a week or two, a reconciliation could be brought about at any time, or if Mr. Dorr would allow himself to be arrested peaceably and give bail no one could then object.  But the supporters of the government say it is wrong to give up so long as Mr. Dorr threatens actual resistance to the laws in case he is arrested.  If this could be done, they would then consider that they had sufficiently shown their determination to support the laws, and the two measures which you proposed to us in conversation at Washington—­a convention and then a general amnesty—­would succeed beyond a doubt.

Allow me to suggest that if Mr. Wickliffe, or someone who you might think would have most influence, would address a letter to Governor Fenner on the subject of conciliation it might be of great service.  Governor F. is the father-in-law of General Mallett and a member of our senate.

Our assembly adjourned to the third Monday of June, but it is in the power of the governor to call it sooner, which can be done in a day at any time.  Unless, however, there is a little more prudence in the leaders on both sides, we shall then be farther from reconciliation than now.  The great mass of both parties I believe to be sincerely anxious for a settlement.

I do not know whether a letter addressed to the President upon a subject of this nature would of course be considered as public and liable to inspection.  Few would write freely if that were the case.  If private, I will cheerfully communicate from time to time any information that may be in my power and which might be of any service.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ELISHA R. POTTER.

Mr. Dorr returned to Providence this (Monday) morning with an armed escort.

WASHINGTON, May 20, 1842.

ELISHA R. POTTER, Esq.