New-York daily tribune., 1843-06-30
Rtde through Rhode Island-Dorr Re-
lts"pI,ckstone Valley-Factories, &C.

a Ride through Rhode Islnnd-Dorr Re-
,ics-RIacHstone Valley-fac'ofies' &C.
Cores spond-nce of The Tribune
WooSsocKEr, r. !. June 25. 1872
Here am snugly ensconced IN the romantic
VILLAGE of Woonsocket, after journey through
the Northern part of this small but beautiful State
of Rhode Island. To-day is Sunday, thank heav-
en-. and finding nothing to employ myself about.
the idea popped through my head, that your read
ers would be interested if not profted by sketch
of this region, so renowned in 'modern' history
as the place where the hero T. w. Dorr. enacted
wondrous deeds in defence Of popular liberty and
equal rights. I left Providence yesterday morn
ing with q private conveyance, and my first stop
was at the old town Of Pawtucket, where the first
settlement was made in Rhode Island 1t is a
handsome village situated on both sides of the
Blackstone River which divides this State from
Massachusetts, containing about 5000 inhabitants.
This also is celebrated as the spot where the first
cotton-nill erected in this country was built. 1t
is still standing. and still employed IN making
cotton goods. Pawtucket is sustained principal
ly by It's manufactures. of which there are about
ID, turning ont an immense amount of goods per
annum. Just above is Central Falls a large man.
ufacturing town, and still farther, Valley Falls.
The hero, Dorr, frequently visited Pawtucket,
(thc Massachusetts part of it, and could walk
safely to the dividing line on the bridge which
unics the town, and talk with his friends on this
side secure from interruption.
The country around here IS very fine, watered
by the Blackstone, stream which rises 80 or 90
miles up the country; 1t possesses great water
power and the valley through which ii passes is
fertile and aboundlng in magnificent scenery. |
passed several handsome villages which existed
principally from the factories around them. The
route from Pawtuckct through to the Northwest
of Rhode Island at this season Of the year is de-
hghtful--the valleys, which abound here from the
innumcrable small streams causing every part OF
the State to look so green. so pleasant, so cool,
and delightful. The hills covered with an un-
broken forest; the meadows stretching out a level
plain carpctcd with green; the neat cottages
half covered with trees the crops springlng up
into maturity, all combined, form sight so pleas
ing to the eye of one accustomed only to brick
walls, and sun parchcd streets, that one cannot
but wish his lot was cast in such a spot surround
ed by nature, exhibiting SO pleasing an aspect.
Alter travelling nearly all day, | suddenly
brought up in front of that {" immortal y spot
where the band and their heroic leader, Dorr, took
their last bold stand (only to rum for their dear
country 1t is smooth, round hill, rather steep
and on the top Of it fronting Providence rowning
breastworks arc reared some five SIX feet high,
Of dirt-thc opposite side having none, they
supposng that their opponents would push up III
front. The flagstaff still remains, d remnant
and shadow Of It's former power. 1t stands
bleaching III the sun, saplng with It's bark TAX
en- off. The village Just beyond it IS small, but
pleasantly situated, inhabited by some of the worst
characters that ever cursed this earth, without
principle or business. Chcpachet. with all It's
faults Will live immortal as a scene where blood
would have been split if-ycs, ii It's army had
placed their backs to the field and their feet to
The foc"-but it proved otherwise: they reversed
the spirit of the poetry, resolved onrunnlng rather
than fight.
Woonsockct, where | now am, took an active
though rather secret part in the rebellion. 1t was
the heart of it. bat Chcpaclet was thrust forward
as head quarters. 1t is the finest village | have
yet seen, with population of 5000, Principally
engaged in the cotton business. There arc about
30 mills employed in making cotton cloth. They
extend in row upon the Blackstone's banks for
nearly mile. The village lies around them In
winter when the days are short, the factory girls
go 70 work before light The bells each factory
has onc,) ring at Il certain hour. when IN a mo-
lncnt almost you will sec the street crowded with
girls, with bonnctts alike, hurrying to their work !;
soon the mill is started and then the loud hum OF
thousands Of spindlcs and looms in motion, is
heard until s o'clock at night. 1t is beautiful
sight to view these mills in dark evening when
they are lighted up. The light flashes from AN
hundred windows, and the girls busily engaged
at their work give it a scene of animation and
life which pleases the eye and fancy. But how
beautiful this may look to spectator, 1t IS at
the expense Of the girls health, who wear out ma
turc herself in working these long and late hours
Yours