“From the London Star of November 27.” Baltimore Patriot, vol. XIV, no. 153, 30 Dec. 1819, p. [2]. Readex: America’s Historical Newspapers
Received at the Office of the Commercial Advertiser.
Mr Cobbett.—The Hercules arrived at Liverpool on Sunday last, on board of which was Mr. Cobbett. As some fears were entertained that the fever was on board, Cobbett’s landing was not permitted till Tuesday. An immense number of people met him on the beach, and cheered him to the Inn, which is a considerable distance from the dock. Some partial hisses were heard.
Next morning he underwent the usual examination at the Custom-house, which occupied a considerable time, as he has brought over with him a deal of heavy luggage. The bones of Paine were deposited in a wooden box, and lodged in the Custom-house yard. When the box was opened, Mr. Cobbett observed—“There Gentlemen are the mortal remains of the immortal Thomas Paine.” The skull was shewn, and the coffin plate accompanied it, on which was “Thomas Paine, aged 74, died 8th June 1809.” and Cobbett was extremely attentive to the box and looked rather serious during the exhibition.
In the evening, accompanied by Mr. Egerton Smith he visited several of his friends and well wishers. There are now two vessels in the Mersey, on board of one of which (from Baltimore) it is feared, the yellow fever prevails; but every precaution is taken to prevent communication with the land. Cobbett looks in good health, and is dressed like one of our better sort of country farmers.