Introduction

Thomas Dorr’s youngest brother Henry wrote this letter when he was just 19 years old and starting out in his legal career. Thomas had made some recommendations to Henry about a position in a New York City law office. Henry was concerned that a position in the law office of "Mr. Butler" would be too specialized and preferred a more general office to clerk in. This letter, which was written at a time when the Rhode Island Suffrage Association was calling for a constitutional convention, also demonstrates Henry Dorr's keen grasp of Rhode Island politics.