1 May 1789

Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Invites the unknown recipient to inspect a new iron bridge he designed. "We have erected our Experiment Rib and Struck the Center." With engraving.

GLC04218

17 October 1780

Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

Begins by stating that he is thankful no one can publish his letters after his death since he does not write any. Discusses the treason of Benedict Arnold and the British spy John Andre. Comments on the capture of Andre and wonders why Andre was not able to escape as he was on horseback and the three Americans on foot. Remarks on Arnold's escape, "But why, if Providence had the management of the whole, did she let Arnold escape. Perhaps to be hung afterwards by the Enemy for some act of traitorship against them. In this case he will have no apology left and all Parties will call him what…

GLC04454

20 November 1803

Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Taylor

Says he just arrived in New Rochelle. Received Taylor's letter with the news of the death of Colonel Joseph Kirkbride. Claims he has lost "my best friend." Paine befriended Kirkbride, a well-known patriot and fellow Quaker, when he lived in Bordentown, New Jersey 1777-1778, 1785-1786, and 1803. When he saw a letter from Bordentown not in Kirkbride's handwriting he suspected he had died. Says he is feels more grief because if Kirkbride had lived he would have rejoiced at "the triumphant success of the last elections" - Democrats had gained a majority in the New Jersey state legislature and…

GLC04281

3 January 1786

Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Willing

Opposes the repeal of the charter of the Bank of North America on Constitutional grounds and discusses the power of assembly. Remarks upon the ill conduct of the House in violating the charter and calls the assembly incompetent. States that the assembly is not fit to handle " ...granting charters, compiling debts, fixing funds for the redemption of debts, making money, or any thing else which requires permanency." Intends to publish a pamphlet on these topics. Willing was President of the Bank of North America.

GLC06276

1804/09/11

Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elisha Babcock

Approves of the "Address of the Delegates from ninety seven Towns," which he calls a good beginning. Indicates that he is sending a pamphlet (not included) and describes it as the opposite of "poor John's [Adams] defence of the American Constitutions where every page contradicts the title." Asks that he be sent a newspaper.

GLC06330