Mr. R. H. Tilley has advised me to write you, as a valuable man to
interest in a project which should be of interest to every loyal
Rhode Islander.
The old historic fort on Butts Hill in Portsmouth is being surveyed
with the idea of selling in small lots, and thus totally
obliterating the fort where General Sullivan and his troops fought
so well and so bravely. Does it not seem as if this spot should be
preserved if possible? I believe a bill was introduced into the
legislature some time ago, making this fort a state park, but
nothing has since been heard of it, so far as I can find out.
Miss Swinburne, regent of William Ellery Chapter, D. A. R., and I
are very desirous of rousing among the patriotic societies a
sufficient interest to save this well-preserved relic of
Revolutionary days. It seems a peculiarly fitting season to begin
the agitation, and I hope that some of the speakers on Wednesday,
both at the celebration by your own Historical Society and also at
the meeting of the Sons of the Revolution on the same day, may feel
inclined to call attention to this subject.
I talked with Mr. Tilley[2] yesterday and found him as kindly
disposed to help as I could desire, and he has promised to add his
word in support of my request whenever he may chance to see you. I
can answer for my own Gaspee Chapter, D. A. R., if our assistance is
needed, but with such influence as you could wield, coöperating with
the S. A. R and S. R. of the state, I feel very hopeful of success
in our patriotic project.
I do not feel as if I had at all adequately presented my case, but
it is very hard to condense all that might be said on such a subject
into the limits of a reasonable note. I hope you will recognize my
endeavor to save your valuable time, and read into my words an
enthusiastic interest which I have not expressed.
Very sincerely yours,
MARGARET B. F. LIPPITT,[3]
_Regent, Gaspee Chapter, D. A. R._
NEWPORT, R. I., August twenty-sixth.
The following letter on the same topic as the foregoing was received by
Mayor Boyle of Newport, state vice-president of our Society for Rhode
Island:
[Illustration: DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION]