Although the second-rank Girondins who remained alive were restored, like him, to their seats in the Convention in 1794, and were influential in producing the directorial constitution of the Year III, that attempt to get back to the principles of 1789 was no more successful than the first revolutionary constitution
I think the only new revelation that emerged from Professor Vincent’s research is the fact that Paine attended masonic meetings in France and in America, although it is doubtful that he was actually a mason himself.
BOOK REVIEW: Thomas Paine Ou La Religion Se La Liberte Read Post »
The propaganda directed against Paine, linked as it was with efforts to counteract early favourable reactions to the French Revolution, included in its scope misrepresentations of earlier periods when the continuous struggle for human rights similarly found expression in public unrest.
The storms of revolution bursting forth afresh, Paine again repaired to France. A joyous reception awaited his arrival at Calais. As his vessel entered the harbor a hundred cannon thundered “Welcome!” As he stepped upon the shore a thousand voices shouted “Vive Thomas Paine!”
DUMAS’ hero, Dr. Gilbert (in “Ange Pitou”), an idealization of Paine, interprets his hopes and horrors on the opening of the fateful year 1793. Dr. Gilbert’s pamphlets helped to found liberty in the New World, but sees that it may prove the germ of total ruin to the Old World.
VERSAILLES, CITIZEN MINISTER: The citizen Robert Smith, a very particular friend of mine, wishes to obtain a passport to go to Hamburg, and I will be obliged to you to do him that favor. Himself and family have lived several years in France, for he likes neither the government nor the climate of England. He
From the original letter at the Library of Congress. Citizen Representatives If I should not express myself with the energy I used formerly to do, you will attribute it to the very dangerous illness I have suffered in the prison of the Lux — for several days I was insensible of my own existence and
To the French National Convention August 7, 1794 Read Post »
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 »
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 26, 1792, the French National Assembly
