A governor in exile :New Hampshire and the "Rhode Island Question" : Historical New Hampshire/ Erik J. Chaput.

Title:

A governor in exile :New Hampshire and the "Rhode Island Question" : Historical New Hampshire/ Erik J. Chaput.

Author:

Chaput, Erik J.

Call Number:

977.8 N5321h

Publication Information:

Concord, NH: New Hampshire Historical Society, 2012.

Source:

Vol. 66, No. 2 (Winter 2012-2013) Historical New Hampshire.

Description:

The article focuses on the efforts of Thomas Wilson Dorr to democratize government in 19th century Rhode Island, and the role of New Hampshire politicians in support of Dorr. The root of the conflict lay in Rhode Island's colonial charter, which had not been superseded by a new state Constitution, and which granted suffrage only to a small group of landed elites. Dorr sought to expand suffrage to all white men. To that end, he and his followers drafted a new state Constitution, which was rejected by Rhode Island's government. After escalating political tensions, during which Dorr was pronounced the "People's Governor", and the call for Dorr's arrest, Dorr fled to New Hampshire, where he was granted asylum by Democratic governor Henry Hubbard. Although Dorr voluntarily returned to Rhode Island, where he was jailed, Democratic politicians in New Hampshire continued to support Dorr and his cause. Their efforts proved crucial in securing Dorr's release.

Language:

English.

Subjects:

Suffrage History. Rhode Island , Constitutional history Rhode Island. , Representative government and representation History Rhode Island.

Locations:

Rhode Island Politics and government 1775-1865.
New Hampshire Politics and government 1775-1865.

People:

Dorr, Thomas Wilson, 1805-1854. , Hubbard, Henry, 1784-1857. , Burke, Edmund, 1809-1882.

Terms of Use:

For permission to reproduce or publish material from this item, please contact the New Hampshire Historical Society. Users are responsible for following all copyright and intellectual property laws.

Electronic Resources:

Full Text