Thomas Wilson Dorr was born at
That same year, Dorr played an active role as member of a committee appointed to write an address advocating enlargement of voting rights in Rhode Island. The old colonial Charter of Rhode Island did not allow for calling a constitutional convention. Accordingly, the self-proclaimed "
The Dorr papers comprise approximately 600 items, and constitute an important collection for the study of the early political history of the State of Rhode Island. As a lawyer and legislator, Thomas Wilson Dorr was privy to the inner workings of state governance. Indeed, the papers display his deep concern with constitutional law in general, and the application of the same to governance in Rhode Island. His active interest in suffrage reform and equal rights propelled him to the forefront of the movement for a state constitution. By means of a popular convention which met from May 1841 to January 1842, a constitution was adopted under which Dorr was elected Governor. Since the prior state Charter had not been rescinded, this brought the reformers into conflict with the existing Charter-based government. Traditionalists elected their own governor under the older system, and declared Dorr a usurper. The collection documents this tumultuous affair, and highlights Dorr's important role as a proponent of constitutional principles.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested..
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Thomas Wilson Dorr Papers, Ms. Dorr, Brown University Library.
The collection is divided into three series:
Items within Series 1 (Correspondence) are ordered alphabetically by the author of the letter, then ordered chronologically. Series 2 (Printed items) is ordered alphabetically. Series 3 (Miscellaneous manuscripts) is ordered alphabetically by author.
The Thomas Wilson Dorr Papers were a 1926 gift to Brown University from the heirs of
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection:
The
Related collections or materials at other institutions include:
Of these 600 items in the Dorr Papers, about 200 are listed in the inventory, the remainder being cataloged separately under Dorr's name.
A number of items (including Dorr's diploma from Harvard) were removed and catalogued individually as part of the Broadside collection. These are accessible using the Brown University Library Online Catalog (Josiah).
Filed with oversize manuscripts: Rhode Island Convention. Ratification of the Constitution. 1790 May 29 (4-page broadside from Series 3 of this collection).
Digital facsimiles of items from this collection are available from within the online finding aid.
Addressed to George Turner Esq., Washington, D.C.
Written to 'Charles Stevens, Wm. French & others' by Sullivan Dorr, Jr. 'for Tho. W. Dorr', his brother, who is 'confined to his bed by illness'.
Filed with oversize Main Manuscripts.
Two copies and one scrap of paper folded and used perhaps to enclose one copy of Reverend Waterman's remarks; written on this paper are the notes "For Aaron[?] White/Funeral of Gov. Dorr" and "Funeral of Gov. Dorr/Mr. Waterman's remarks[?]".
Receipt of payment acknowledged; countersigned by J.S. Harris.
Receipt of payment acknowledged.
Receipt of payment acknowledged.
Signed Gaskill Buffum.
Signed A Jeffersonian.
Concerning Mr. Lanman's seat in the senate.
Notes of speeches in debates of the "Rhode Island Association of Economical and Odd Fellows" (debating society).
(T.G.B.)?
Convention of Freeholders to form Constitution, 1834 Sep.
With 34 signatures.
Autograph drafts of parts.
Figures, plans adopted, etc.
Signed Auctore Gulielmo Snookio.
On third page, autograph document signed by Dorr, list of expenses, etc. Dated
Passed by Suffrage Association at Town House.
Statement of reasons. With signatures of S.Y. Atwell, T.F. Carpenter, J.P. Knowles (all subscribed by themselves) and of J.K Angell, David Daniels, L.C. Eaton, D.J. Pearce and A. White, Jr. (by request).
Filed with this is a 2 page document entitled "Copies of Act of Amnesty + Liberation."
In hand of W.S. Burges. Copy enclosed.
13 items, notes [in code?]
RI Historical Society ticket signed T.W. Dorr in an envelope, print wrapped in paper and museum object with small sketch wrapped in paper (both in a clasp envelope), and four ribbons have no accession numbers.
One business card of James Kent.
Two clippings, pasted together, concerning James Kent's lectures, one signed "Cleon," another signed "A Law Student."
Signed by T.W. Dorr.
In French.
Receipt of payment acknowledged.
Presented to the Brown University Library by the heirs of the Hon. Walter S. Burges.
Presented to the Brown University Library by the heirs of the Hon. Walter S. Burges. About 250 blank pages at end of diary.