Philip Foner’s introduction: After France was proclaimed a Republic, the question what was to be done with the former king arose. Most Girondins opposed bringing the king to trial, fearing that during its course secrets revealing their own treacherous role would be made public. Although he was losing favor with the Jacobins at this time […]
To the French National Convention October 22, 1792 CITIZEN PRESIDENT: In the name of the deputies of the department of Pas de Calais, I have the honor of presenting to the Convention the felicitations of the General Council of the Commune of Calais on the abolition of royalty. Amid the joy inspired by this event,
To the French National Convention October 22, 1792 Read Post »
AN ESSAY FOR THE USE OF NEW REPUBLICANS IN THEIR OPPOSITION TO MONARCHY Philip Foner’s introduction: The following Essay was first published in Le Patriote Francois of October 20, 1792. The setting in France at the time Paine wrote this article was extremely exciting. On September 20, 1792, at Valmy, the French army was able
ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF FRANCE Philip Foner’s introduction: At the same time that British royalty was persecuting Paine for having dared to expose the inequalities in English society as well as for his fervent defense of the French Revolution, the French nation hailed him as their champion and claimed him for herself. On August
ON THE LATE PROCLAMATION from the 1792 pamphlet published by Symonds in London. COULD I have commanded circumstances with a wish, I know not of any that would have more generally promoted the progress of knowledge, than the late Proclamation, and the numerous rotten Borough and Corporation Addresses thereon. They have not only served as
TO THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX OR THE GENTLEMAN WHO SHALL PRESIDE AT THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT LEWES, JULY FOURTH DATED AT LONDON, JUNE 30, 1792. SIR: I have seen in the Lewes newspapers, of June twenty-fifth, an advertisement, signed by sundry persons, and also by the sheriff, for holding a
Foner’s Introduction: The case brought by the English government against Paine was set down in the Calendar for June 8, 1792. Paine was in the court that day, but to his disappointment the trial was postponed to December 18. Meanwhile he continued to address letters to government officials filled with irony and sarcasm. LORD LIEUTENANT
Philip Foner’s introduction: Rights of Man divided British public opinion into Burkeites and Paineites, inspired a generation of democratic reformers, and formed the programs of hundreds of popular societies which sprang up throughout Great Britain. It was inevitable, therefore, that British royalty would seek frantically to destroy the influence of the writer who had dared
ANSWER TO FOUR QUESTIONS ON THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE POWERS Philip Foner’s introduction: It is impossible to determine the exact date of the composition of this document, but it is very likely that it was started in the spring of 1791 and completed some time during the following summer. It was later translated by Condorcet
ON THE PROSECUTION AGAINST THE SECOND PART OF RIGHTS OF MAN SIR:-As there can be no personal resentment between two strangers, I write this letter to you, as to a man against whom I have no animosity. You have, as Attorney-General, commenced a prosecution against me as the author of “Rights of Man.” Had not
THOUGHTS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MINT IN THE UNITED STATES. By THOMAS PAINE. THE price of machinery and the expence of labor are reserved to the conclusion. I proceed therefore to consider the Metals and the means of procuring them. I begin with Copper. — This Metal is of too little value and of
Thoughts on the Establishment of a Mint in the United States Read Post »
ADDRESS AND DECLARATION AT A SELECT MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF UNIVERSAL PEACE AND LIBERTY, HELD AT THE THATCHED HOUSE TAVERN, ST. JAMES’ STREET, AUGUST 20, 1791, THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND DECLARATION TO OUR FELLOW CITIZENS WAS AGREED ON AND ORDERED TO BE PUBLISHED Philip Foner’s introduction: Paine returned to England on July 13, 1791.
