Sullivan Dorr Papers (MSS 390)

This collection, ranging from 1799-1852, has been divided into two series. Series One contains personal papers, which include correspondence, a deed, a diary, and a memoranda book. The correspondence derives from his involvement in commerce in Canton, China, while the memoranda book details various events during a year (1801) in China. Very rarely Dorr will make a reference to the people of China. In 1799 he makes the comment, "being among a people between whom and ourselves there is such a dissimilarity of language, customs, etc. that your betrayer may be bargaining before your face." (Box 1, folder 1, page 27). In 1800 he goes on to say, the Chinese are "great sticklers to Religion if I may judge...vindictive, lascivious, roguish, revengeful...polygamy..." (Box 1, folder 1, page 53-59). In these several pages he describes the people and culture of the Chinese.

Series Two contains the receipts related to the building and furnishing of the Sullivan Dorr House, 1809-1812.