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Letter
Providence, Feb. 6, '47
GeorgeTurner Esq:
Dear Sir,
I have seen a letter today in which
you ask for a copy of the old Statute Book containing the clause
of exclusion of Roman Catholics from the right of suffrage. Unfortunately
it was not known ^on Tuesday that this book was wanted; as it might have been
sent on that day by Col. Atwell. I have requested that a
certified copy ^of the law from the old Digest be obtained for you; and also a copy
of the act of repeal. Col. A. took on for you “English Liberties”.
On Monday we will send every thing that can be procured of your
list of authorities wanted as named to Mr Burges.
Mr Burges has searched without success for the Report of
the Legislature Committee of ’76. If not ^too lame, I will try on Monday.
You want also the vote of 1790 in this state, & of some
subsequent years, to be compared with the votes polled at a later
day, as given at p. 471 of Burke’s Report; to show that the
increase of the electoral body ^was very far from being in proportion to the population.
The extract from G. Burrill’s oration you will find at
p. 271 of Burke’s Report.
I will look farther for Knowles’ remarkable prediction of
troubles to come in R.I.
Tho's W. Dorr
On the subject of the exclusion of Roman Catholics see Burke’s Report, p.159.