Boston Investigator, 10 Feb. 1832, p. 4. Readex: America’s Historical Newspapers. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.
On Dec. 29, the Anniversary of the birth day of the Author of the “RIGHTS OF MAN” and the “AGE OF REASON” an Address in commemoration of the event was delivered to a crowded audience in Tammany Hall, by JOHN MORRISON, and on Monday the event was celebrated by a Public Dinner and by a Ball at the same place.—This was the Eighth Public Celebration of Paine’s Birthday in New York and the company present was much more numerous than on any former occasion. More than one hundred gentlemen sat down to the Dinner, and about four hundred ladies and gentlemen were present at the Ball, which was under the direction of Mr. Parker.
DITCHETT AND OFFEN acted as Vice Presidents.
After the removal of the cloth, the first of the regular toasts, which follow, was preceded by some appropriate remarks by the President.
TOASTS OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
- THOMAS PAINE—We meet to respect his memory and extend his principles. Air (by the Band)—German Hymn. Original Song—Hail, hail the day.
- Common Sense—Its characteristics are Truth, Justice, Fidelity and Humanity. Air—Kinloch of Kinloch.
- The Crisis—The time which tried men’s souls. Air—Yankee Doodle. Song—The Presbyterian Cat, by Mr. Lawton.
- The Rights of Man—In pursuit of these, may we be as steady as Time and relentless as the Grave. Air—Marseilles Hymn. Song—God save the Rights of Man, by Mr. Morrison.
- The Age of Reason—May its principles, like another sun, penetrate the dark clouds of Superstition, and illuminate the habitable globe. Air, Tyrolese Song of Liberty. Song—Will you hear Reason’s voice, by Mr. Burton.
- The Press—The brightest of all luminaries, it nurtures and animates our intellectual faculties. March. Recitation—The Press, by Mr Walter Morton.
- Truth—It requires not the garnish of poetry, nor the tinselled trappings of eloquence, to show mankind that they guide to happiness. Air—Sweet Home. Song—There’s nothing like Truth, by Mr. Morrison.
- Science—The partizan of no country—the beneficent patron of all. March.
- Civil and Religious Liberty—Vast as the universe—free as the air—and generous as the light. Air—Bruce’s Address. Song—Tyrolese Song of Liberty, by Mr. Burton.
- Philosophy—The powerful lever by which man has raised himself above the level of the brute, and dignified his character by increasing his powers of usefulness. Air—Speed the Plough.
- Education—May it be as universal as it is beneficial to man. Air—Bonny Boat. Song—Education forms the Man, by Mr. Burton.
- Nature’s Code—The Standard of Truth. Air—Ye Banks and Braes.
- Superstition—May the edifices erected to perpetuate this source of delusion, bigotry, falsehood and oppression, speedily become the temples of science, reason, and philosophy. Air—Away with Melancholy. Recitation, by Mr. Burton.
- The Union—Consecrated by the blood of our fathers, and endeared to us by innumerable blessings. Air—Hail Columbia. Song—Star Spangled Banner.
- The Memory of all Men, in every age and country, who have fearlessly advocated the principles of political and mental liberty. Air—Auld Lang Syne. Recitation—Death of Gen. Wolfe, by Mr. Morton.
- Ecclesiastical and Civil Tyranny—May the efforts, now making by our brethren in Europe, to emancipate themselves from these foes of human happiness, be pre-eminently successful. Air, March to the Battle Field. Song—Freedom of the Press, by Mr. Burton.
- The Republicans of every Country—May they ere long shake hands over the grave of the last tyrant. Air—Star Spangled Banner. Song, Let us Enquire, by Mr. Burton.
- Universal Philanthropy—May no private bias, or selfish motive, prevent us from promoting it. Air—Life let us cherish. Ode to Paine, by Mr. Lawton.
- The People—The source of all political power. May they be sufficiently enlightened to exercise that power. Air—All the Blue Bonnets. Song, by Mr. Stevenson.
- The Fair—May they soon enjoy equal rights and equal privileges with man. Air—Green grows the Rushes. Recitation—What is Love, by Mr. Morton.
By a Guest. Thomas Paine—The benefactor of mankind— His works remain the greatest pain To priests, who would our minds enchain.
By a Guest. The Church and State party—May it be scattered to the four winds.
By E. Tallmadge. Science—May it spread through the world, and uproot every fable that has cursed the earth.
By B. Gillen. His Satanic Majesty, who goes through the earth like a roaring lion. May Common Sense soon send him to quarter with his old acquaintances, the witches of Salem.
By W. Davies. The Health of Mr. Wm. Cobbett, the talented pupil of Thomas Paine—The most powerful political writer since his instructor’s death.
By a Guest. America—May the political clouds of despotism which darken Europe, never tarnish the sun-light of freedom which illuminates thee.
By Mr. Offen. The Memory of the late Walter Morton—The faithful friend, and executor of the Will of Thomas Paine, who closed Paine’s eyes in death.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
By the President. Col. Richard M. Johnson, The bold and fearless advocate and defender of civil and religious liberty. His Sunday Mail Report entitle him to the gratitude of every Republican, and lover of practical liberal principles.
By J. Ditchett, 1st Vice President. The Striped and Star Spangled Banner of America Blended in union and peace with the flags of nations, may it be honored on entering every foreign port.
By Mr. Offen, 2d Vice President. Candor and Moral Courage—Two indispensible ingredients in every advocate of Free Inquiry.
By a guest. Knowledge—Where reason is left free to combat error, religious faith in revelations, miracles and witchcraft must give place to rational systems of ethics founded on the nature and the condition of man.
By Walter Morton. Prejudice—”The spider of the mind.” Alas! the web which it has wove conceals from the view those rare and bright qualities which adorned the character of Paine.
By Giles Sibley. Thomas Paine—The first man who had the moral courage to teach the American people their religious and political rights—to disturb the hornet’s nest of kings and priests, creed mongers and bigots, fanatics and fools.
By John Lawton. Richard Carlile and the Rev. Robert Taylor, of England—Persecuted advocates of free discussion. May success crown their efforts by a speedy abolishment of those impositions which have so long been practised upon the credulity of mankind.
By J. Wells. Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason—Christians read it; it will convince you of the impositions of priestcraft.
By a Guest. The Tree of Liberty—May it be surrounded by the beautiful plants of Reason and Knowledge, and may the poisonous weeds of priestcraft and superstition be pulled up by the roots.
By John Lawton—Our Public Highways—May the unconstitutional practice of obstructing them for superstitious observances every seventh day, be speedily abolished, as a daring encroachment upon our RIGHTS and LIBERTIES.
By Guon. Sinful acts—When man shall know his true predicament in nature, he will no longer depend upon prayers and vicarious sufferings for the atonement of errors which he alone can rectify.
By George H. Evans. Col. Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky—The man who successfully defended the citadel of Equal Rights against the first attack of the Legions of Priestcraft. A free people are preparing his reward.
By a Guest—The Will of the late Stephen Girard—The talisman to unrivet the chains prepared for millions yet unborn.
Sent by a lady. Clinton—May that name remain immortal as the magnificent statue of Causichi.
By John Lawton. The brave but unfortunate Poles—May a just and speedy retribution overtake their base oppressors.
By a Guest. Religion—Belief in unintelligible dogmas, about which mankind have been cutting each other’s throats from the earliest period of recorded history. May the word be erased from all languages, and morals substituted in its place.
By T. L. Waddell. Martin Van Buren—a citizen of New-York.
By R. D. Soper. Abner Kneeland—the worthy and honest Editor of the Boston Investigator, and able advocate of the rights of man.
By David I. Jarger. Robert Dale Owen, Editor of the Free Enquirer—The amiable advocate of Free Enquiry, may his labors be as successful as his talents are conspicuous.
By J. W. Mitchell. The Daily Sentinel and Workingmen’s Advocate—The faithful guardians of the people’s rights, and the fearless contemners of every principle that tends to a country’s ruin—May their conductors, though unable to command success, ever continue to deserve it.
By a Guest. The Memory of Thomas Paine—May those who calumniate him, while living in the enjoyment of benefits which his efforts eminently contributed to maintain, feel remorse and shame for their ingratitude.
By George Adams. May the wings of Liberty overspread the world, and the down fall in our city.
Sent by a Lady. The Memory of the immortal Thomas Paine—The author of the Rights of Man, and the Age of Reason.
By G. Vale. Mr. Paine as he was—His opponents as they ought to be, ashamed of themselves.
By H. C. Spicer. The Fair Daughters of America—who make “Home, Sweet Home,” the paradise yet left to man.
By T. Thompson. The Memory of Stephen Girard—The friend of the orphan, and the enemy of priestly influence.
By C. Burton. Miss Frances Wright—The most intelligent woman of the age.
By John Morrison. Lord Brougham—The noble advocate of political and religious liberty in Great Britain.
By George H. Evans. Thomas Herttell—The able advocate of civil and religious liberty in the United States.
By T. Thompson. Dr. Cooper, President of Columbia College, S. C.—The learned and able, but persecuted defender of religious and civil liberty.
By a Guest. Gen. Lafayette—The unflinching Patriot and liberal Republican; May he live to see his beloved country enjoying the fruits of his arduous services—a Republican form of government, peace and happiness.
By a Guest. The Benefactor of Thomas Paine—
His works remain the greatest pain
To priests, who would our minds enchain.
By a Guest. The Church and State party—May it be scattered to the four winds.
By E. Tallmadge. Science—May it spread through the world, and uproot every fable that has cursed the earth.
By B. Gillen. His Satanic Majesty, who goes through the earth like a roaring lion. May Common Sense soon send him to quarter with his old acquaintances, the witches of Salem.
By W. Davies. The Health of Mr. Wm. Cobbett, the talented pupil of Thomas Paine—The most powerful political writer since his instructor’s death.
By a Guest. America—May the political clouds of despotism which darken Europe, never tarnish the sun-light of freedom which illuminates thee.
By Mr. Offen. The Memory of the late Walter Morton—The faithful friend, and executor of the Will of Thomas Paine, who closed Paine’s eyes in death.
After the above toast was drank, Walter Morton, son of the deceased, rose and made the following reply, in an eloquent and impressive manner :
Mr. Chairman—Permit me, Sir, to return my heart-felt thanks for this mark of respect paid to the memory of my deceased father. It is with much pleasure that I behold this numerous and respectable assemblage, met for the purpose of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of departed worth and greatness. A kindly remembrance of the dead, of those who have, in this worldly career, shared our affections; who have mingled with our joys and participated in our sorrows, is at all times a pleasing task ; but to the memory of those like the immortal Paine, whose whole life was devoted to the welfare and improvement of the human race, and the evidence of whose usefulness we now see, in the rapid extension of free and liberal principles, we recur with gratitude as well as pleasure. Who can peruse, with a prejudiced eye, his political writings, which made their appearance at the dawn of the revolution in this country, when we were under the subjection of a foreign and tyrannical power, groaning with the burden of taxation and oppression, and which had such a thrilling effect upon the minds of the people at that period? Compare the then situation of our country with what you now behold it, look around and about you, glory and prosperity attend us, peace and contentment smile about every dwelling; and when we reflect that it was the genius of Paine that was mainly instrumental in laying the foundation of our liberties, can we but feel our bosoms throb with admiration for his talents, and with gratitude for his invaluable services, while we must feel them thrill with indignation towards those who heap abuse upon his memory. Yes, there are Americans, to their shame be it said, who look upon you with disdain, if you lisp in terms of praise, the name of Paine, merely because he had the independence to give to the world his opinions upon theology. Is it natural to suppose that a mighty mind like that of Paine, could be confined to the narrow limits of a prison house, and restrained from giving his views upon any subject.
Mr. Chairman—It is now twenty-three years since the man, whose birth we are now celebrating was returned unto the earth from which he sprang, and gathered to his fathers; and yet there are those who would wish to hide his talents and his fame in that grave where repose his ashes. Let it be our duty, sir, to protect his memory and his name, from the foul breath of calumny and aspersion; whatever may have been his errors, (and who will deny that he had errors? for he was but human nature; and where can you point to it and find it freed from failings. But with Paine, I am inclined to the belief, “that even his failings leaned to virtue’s side,”) bury them in oblivion, cover them with the mantle of charity, of which Christians so much boast, of being the possessors; but his merits and his virtues, hide not them, let them be raised above the tomb, and shine in that bright and conspicuous lustre which should ever attend them.
The following toast and paragraph, from a late English paper, which accompanies it, were handed to the President, and read by him from the Chair during the evening.
Public Opinion—Ever varying: may all* its variations be founded on intelligence and justice.
*Change of Public Opinion.—On the 13th of February, 1792, the effigy of Paine, after being shown about the streets, was attended by two sweeps, one bearing “The Rights of Man,” and the other “The Age of Reason.” A gallows was erected on Gosta Green, where, after hanging the usual time, he was committed to the flames, and the two books with him. On Saturday last, what was our surprise on beholding, on the very same spot, one of the Fathers in God, who so lately voted for a continuance of bribery, perjury, drunkenness, and crimes of all sorts, hanging on a gallows twelve feet high, with a label on which was written, “Behold him! one of the unholy conclave of 21, who while they are living on the public plunder, are the stern opposers of the liberty of the people.” After hanging the usual time that culprits hang, he was committed to the flames as an example to evil doers.—Birmingham Representative.
The following effusion was delivered by Mr. Offen in the course of the evening, introduced by the following remark.
Mr. President—as it is not uncommon now-a-days for coblers to turn poets, I will, with your permission, give you the result of some reflections that have presented themselves to my mind since the toast, “Common Sense” was drank.
When freedom first her standard rais’d, on fair Columbia’s shore,
Her sons march’d forth to meet the foe, amid the cannon’s roar!
The foe they fought like heroes brave, nor did they miss their aim,
For every shot was aided by the “Common Sense” of Paine.
What vict’ries did those heroes gain, for nought could make them yield,
Till British blood in torrents flow’d, and drench’d the tented field,
For liberty they fought and bled, no force could them dismay,
So British pride was soon put down, and with it British sway.
But faithful hist’ry doth record those deeds of glory won,
And nations yet unborn will bless the name of Washington,—
Americans, a boon I ask, let me not ask in vain,
Give not your laurels ALL away, but save one sprig for Paine.
Many volunteer toasts and sentiments were given during the evening, which were not reduced to writing, and which consequently are unrecorded. The whole were accompanied, at intervals, by choice songs and recitations. After the company left the table, two of the gentlemen who had partaken of the repast, entertained the guests, as well as the company in the Ball Room, with an exhibition of correct portraits of Paine, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, &c. by the aid of the magic lanthorn. The whole evening was spent by the assembled multitude in uninterrupted hilarity and enjoyment, and no doubt with benefit to the cause of truth and liberal principles.
*
The Day was also celebrated by a dinner, at Mr. William Carver’s.—Mr. Carver presiding, assisted by Mr. Robert Hogbin.
Mr. Carver delivered an Address to the company, when a number of toasts were offered—from among which we select the following :—
Regular Toasts.—Reason and Philosophy—the only divine standard around which the sons of liberty should assemble, to prevent priests and madmen from further deluging the world in blood, under the banner of the cross.
The memory of the immortal Thomas Paine, who with his dauntless mind and pen, lit up the brilliant sun of liberty, that kings, tyrants and priests will never be able to extinguish.
The American Fair, the only Angelics—May they never give their hands and hearts to tories, or priest ridden fools.
Volunteer Toast—By R. Hogbin. Wm. Carver, our venerable Chairman, who boldly advocated and openly promulgated the principles of Thomas Paine, and led the way in having the Anniversary of his birth celebrated.