To Doctor Benjamin Rush June 13th, 1783

1783

SECOND STREET,

SIR:

I enclose you a copy of the original address, the reasons for so doing, are, not only that you may have an opportunity of showing it in the circle of your friends, but as many of them by sickness or otherwise, who may be cordially disposed to promote a measure, calculated to compose differences, and have not an opportunity of signing these which are circulating, may by this do it conveniently to themselves.

But there are now many additional reasons for promoting the original address in preference, and almost in opposition to that manufactured by General Reed. By his leaving out the whole paragraph respecting the five percent, he has taken away one of the principal objects of the address, and which was calculated to give collateral support to the means recommended by Congress, for doing justice both to the foreign and domestic creditors of America.

Besides, the original address was begun by those whom Mr. Dickinson have very good reason to believe his friends, and who intended it as a softening healing measure to all sides. But I apprehend Gen. R has catched at it as an opportunity of party, neither did he move in it until he saw the ground was made safe, by the countenance which the original address had obtained.

As the general reasons of national honor and reputation, and the good policy of composing differences which if not composed in time may extend to further evils, will occur to you as readily as to any man, I forbear to mention them. Of one thing, however, I am certain, that when the matter is over, every good man, will be glad of it, and even these who may feel somehow displeased at the awkward situation of things, will find their situation much pleasanter by composing the affair.

I thought it much better to send you an address entirely unsigned than one that was begun, because you may have an opportunity of beginning and conducting it as you please.

I am Dear Sir, Your obedient humble servant,

THOMAS PAINE.