To Henry Laurens December 15, 1778

To Henry Laurens December 15, 1778

PHILADELPHIA,.

DEAR SIR:

In this morning’s paper is a piece addressed to Mr. Deane, in which your name is mentioned. My intention in relating the circumstances with which it is connected is to prevent the enemy drawing any unjust conclusions from an accidental division in the House on matters no ways political. You will please to observe that I have been exceedingly careful to preserve the honor of Congress in the minds of the people who have been so exceedingly fretted by Mr. Deane’s address, and this will appear the more necessary when I inform you that a proposal has been made for calling a Town Meeting to demand justice for Mr. Deane. I have been applied to smoothly and roughly not to publish this piece. Mr. Deane has likewise been with the printer.

I am, etc,

THOMAS PAINE.