To the Congress of the United States September 27, 1785

To the Congress of the United States September 27, 1785

As there is now a report founded on a former resolve, depending before Congress, respecting a compensation to me for my service to the States during the war and the progress of the revolution, I request leave, on this particular occasion, to address the following to Congress.

That my intention in coming to America was that of settling as a private gentleman; that the troubles of the country and the war commencing within four months after my arrival, I had the choice either of returning or sharing her fate; that impressed with the justice of her cause and the dangers of her situation I preferred the latter, and felt it a duty due to the common rights of mankind to render such service and assistance in my power, which I most faithfully did; that as I had no ambitious motives or views when I began, so have I none now.

If Congress will please to order my private expenses to be reimbursed me, which I have naturally incurred by my service to the States, I desire no more.

What those expenses are may easily be judged of by any gentleman present who has resided in any of the cities of America. During a period of nearly eleven years they cannot possibly have been less than six thousand dollars.

I likewise make it my request that this letter may be put on the journals of Congress, and that the matter of it may be proceeded on before the rising of Congress today.

Wishing Peace and Happiness to the United States, I remain,

THOMAS PAINE.