R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-12-4: Action on instrument originally exceeding jurisdictional amount.

In all actions for the recovery of money due on any note or other instrument in writing, which was given originally for five thousand dollars ($5,000) or a larger sum, and which by indorsement or by acknowledgment is reduced to five thousand dollars ($5,000) or under, including principal and interest, suit may be brought before the district court as provided in § 9-12-3, and judgment may be entered thereon, and execution awarded, in the same manner as though the note or other instrument in writing had been originally given for the sum to which the note or other instrument in writing has been reduced.