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:
