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The Dorr Letters ProjectThomas Wilson Dorr to George Turner: |
Introduction
In this letter Thomas Dorr expresses his pleasure at learning that Newport lawyer George Turner is going to help to orchestrate the appeal of his treason conviction. The “Rhode Island Question” that Dorr references was a common phrase after the events of the spring of 1842 to reference the ideological position of the Dorrites. New Hampshire Congressman Edmund Burke helped to produce a 1000-page report on the Dorrite position in 1844. This report, commonly referred to as the Burke Report, along with the minority report produced by Whig congressmen and often referred to as the Causen Report, can be found on the Dorr Rebellion Project website.
Letter
Providence, R.I. Jan. 10, '46
GeorgeTurner Esq:
Dear Sir:
It gives me much pleasure hereby to renew & confirm to you a former request, that you would act as associate counsel in my case in error v. the State of Rhode Island entered at the present term in the Supreme Court of the United States. Your able and faithful services on a former occasion, at Newport, are well remembered and appreciated; and I feel well assured that, as a Rhode Island man fully conversant with the affairs of 1842, and well established in the great principles of right & freedom involved in the Rhode Island Question, you will be able to render important aid to the associate counsel in presenting the case in all its points & bearings to the Court.
Very truly & respectfully,your friend,
Tho's W. Dorr
Questions
Why do you think Dorr was so dedicated in this period to the so-called “Rhode Island Question”?