viscera had become seriously deranged, and a Chronic Pemphigus supervened, under which he finally sank.

There are few individuals who can long endure solitary imprisonment. In general, it is equivalent to a lingering death. The stillness of the grave creeps over the isolated victim encased within cold stone walls, and life goes out by solitary extinction. Mr. Dorr's bodily organization, his social and domestic habits, were illy adapted to such a condition, and if his confinement had been continued much longer he would doubtless have expired in prison. Although he was severely indisposed at the time of his liberation, yet his friends indulged the fond hope that when he came to be released from that dark and noisome cell, and allowed to breathe pure air and take proper exercise, he might regain his health; but they were disappointed. Notwithstanding every reasonable effort was made to improve his condition, he continued steadily to decline. By confinement his system had suffered irreparable morbid changes, and no human means could stay their progress. He bore his severe sufferings with his characteristic fortitude, and at last calmly sunk beneath the weight of his infirmities. He died in the city of Providence, Dec. 27, 1854, aged forty-nine years. Being of Episcopal parentage, he was early initiated as a member of that church, and he continued steadfast in that faith to his last hour. At his request, a few days before his death, the Rev. Mr. Waterman, rector of St. Stephen's Church in Providence, gave him the sacrament. He died as he had lived, with an abiding confidence in the truths of Christianity.

Let those who are disposed to impugn his motives and asperse his character, first cleanse their own garments and cast the beams out of their own eyes, and then, if they can, they may proceed to point out the dark spots in his character. The selfish, unthinking multitude may not recognize in him any unusual degree of moral fidelity; it is by close examination and deep reflection that his character is best understood. As no one but an artist can judge so correctly of the beauty of a piece of sculpture or painting, so none but those possessed of high moral attainments themselves can fully appreciate the prominent traits in the character of Mr. Dorr. But when that time does come, as come it must, when the prejudice against him, with all its bitterness and hatred, shall have fully passed away, mankind will see in him one of the most extraordinary examples of virtuous fidelity which the history of the world affords.

25 *

APPENDIX.

CHARTER OF 1643, GRANTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF PARLIAMENT.

The following is the first charter to the people of Rhode Island, incorporating them "by the name of the Incorporation of Providence Plantations in the Narragansett Bay in New England," granted under the authority of the Parliament of England, in 1643, giving them "full power and authority to govern and rule themselves," &c.

WHEREAS by an Ordinance of y° Lords and Comons now assembled in Parliament bearing date the 2d day of November Anno Dom. 1643. Robert Earlle of Warwick is constituted & ordained Governor in Chief & Lord high Admiral of all thos Islands and other Plantations inhabited and planted by or belonging to any of his Majesties yo King of England subjects (or wch hereafter may be inhabited and planted by or belonging to them) wthin ye bounds and upon ye Coasts of America, And whereas ye said Lords & Comons have thought fitt and thereby ordained, yt Phillipp Earle of Pembroke, Edward Earle of Manchester, William Vicont Say and Seale, Phillipp Lord Whorton, John Lord Roberts, members of ye house of Peers, Sir Gilbert Garard, barrenet, Sir Arthur Helsrigge, Barrenet, Sir Henry Vaune Junior Knight, Sir Benjamin Rudyerd,

(295)

Knight, John Pim, Oliver Cromwell, Dennis Bond, Miles Corbett, Cornelius Holland, Sammuell Vassell, John Rolle and William Spurstowe, Esquirese members of y house of Comons, should be Commissioners to joyne in aide & assistance wth ye said Earle.

And whereas for the better governing & preserving of y said Plantations it is thereby ordained, yt the aforesaid Govern and comm" or ye greater number of them shall have power and authority from time to time, to nominate, appoint, & constitute, all such subordinat Govern's Counselors, Commanders, officers, and agents, as they shall judge to be best affected, and most fitt and serviceable to govern ye said Islands & Plantations, and to provid for, ordere, & dispose all things weh they shall from time to time find most fitt and advantageouse for ye said Plantation, and for the better security of ye owners & inhabitants thereof to Assine ratify & confirme, soe much of their afore mentioned authority & power, and in such manner, & to such Parsons, as they shall Judge to be fitt, for ye better Governing & preserving of ye said Plantations & Islands from open violence, prejudice, disturbance and distractions. And whereas their is a tract of Land in ye Continent of America aforesaid called by ye name of ye Naragansett Bay, bordering North and Northest on the Patten of ye Massechusetts, East & Southeast on Plymouth Patten, south on ye oation, and on ye weast and Northweast By Indians called Nahoggansucks alias Narragansetts; ye whole tract extending about twenty and five English miles, into y Pecut river and Country, and whereas divers well affected and industrious English Inhabitants of ye Townes of Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport, in the tract aforesaid, have adventured to make a nearer neighborhood & sosiaty to & wth ye great body of the Narragansetts weh may in time by ye blessing of GOD upon their endeavours lay a surer foundation of happiness to all America, & have also purchased, & are pur