Boston Investigator, 27 Jan. 1832, p. 2. Readex: America’s Historical Newspapers. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.
Thomas Paine.—Like the name of many others who have done much good in their day, but who never received the meed of praise, till long after they were dead. The name of the much abused, much scandalized, and in the eyes of orthodoxy, very scandalous Thomas Paine, is becoming more and more honored, more and more toasted, and by many of our most reputable citizens too, every year. We select the following from the Transcript, a paper which we should hardly have expected to give publicity to such a circumstance; but we are happy to perceive many editors throwing off the manacles which have so long bound them to a dominant class of people.
“THOMAS PAINE. Preparations are making at New York to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Birth Day of Thomas Paine, on Sunday evening next, 29th inst. An Oration will be delivered, Hymns and Odes sung, accompanied with a band of instrumental music. Admittance six cents—females free. On the next day there is to be a Dinner and a Ball, in honor of the same event.”
For ourselves, we have a general objection against celebrating the birth day of any man, as we hope the time will come when more will deserve the honor than can consistently receive such praise. It was for this reason that Thomas Jefferson, although particularly requested for that purpose would never let his birth day be publicly known. But if any man is to receive such honor, we would not withhold it from THOMAS PAINE.