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Editorial
November 22, 1802
Jenks' Portland Gazette. Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
A critical biographical sketch of Thomas Paine, detailing his early life, career, writings, and accusing him of blasphemy and treachery, especially in his attack on George Washington, questioning his invitation to the U.S.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
BIOGRAPHICAL,
SHORT Notes of Thomas Paine, lately arrived in the United States. He was born in Thetford, in England in 1736, consequently is about 66 years of age.
He is a Stay maker by trade: but after learning the art and mystery of stay making, he commenced Methodist Preacher.
He was afterwards an Excise Officer in England
He has been twice married. In 1772 he commenced author. In 1774, he emigrated to America; and was engaged by a bookseller in Philadelphia, as a shopman—Here he continued his authorship—published Common Sense, Ga—
Was made secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, and was dismissed for breach of trust. Since then he has published several works in America, England, and France; of which the world have sufficient knowledge.
His "Age of Reason" is one of the most blasphemous publications which ever issued from the press; and his letter to General WASHINGTON, dated Paris, July 30, 1796 and printed at the Aurora-office in Philadelphia, contains in page 63 and 64, this paragraph,
"As to you, Sir, treacherous in private friendship, and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide, whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any." Such is the man who has been invited by the First Magistrate of the United States, to take up his residence therein!
Centinel.
SHORT Notes of Thomas Paine, lately arrived in the United States. He was born in Thetford, in England in 1736, consequently is about 66 years of age.
He is a Stay maker by trade: but after learning the art and mystery of stay making, he commenced Methodist Preacher.
He was afterwards an Excise Officer in England
He has been twice married. In 1772 he commenced author. In 1774, he emigrated to America; and was engaged by a bookseller in Philadelphia, as a shopman—Here he continued his authorship—published Common Sense, Ga—
Was made secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, and was dismissed for breach of trust. Since then he has published several works in America, England, and France; of which the world have sufficient knowledge.
His "Age of Reason" is one of the most blasphemous publications which ever issued from the press; and his letter to General WASHINGTON, dated Paris, July 30, 1796 and printed at the Aurora-office in Philadelphia, contains in page 63 and 64, this paragraph,
"As to you, Sir, treacherous in private friendship, and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide, whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any." Such is the man who has been invited by the First Magistrate of the United States, to take up his residence therein!
Centinel.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Thomas Paine
Biography
Age Of Reason
Blasphemy
Washington
Treachery
Common Sense
What entities or persons were involved?
Thomas Paine
George Washington
Centinel
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critical Biography Of Thomas Paine
Stance / Tone
Condemnatory And Accusatory
Key Figures
Thomas Paine
George Washington
Centinel
Key Arguments
Born In Thetford, England, 1736, Age 66
Stay Maker By Trade, Later Methodist Preacher
Excise Officer In England, Twice Married
Began Authorship In 1772, Emigrated To America In 1774
Worked As Shopman In Philadelphia, Published Common Sense
Secretary To Committee For Foreign Affairs, Dismissed For Breach Of Trust
Published Works In America, England, France
'Age Of Reason' Is Blasphemous
Letter To Washington Calls Him Treacherous And Hypocrite
Questions Invitation By U.S. First Magistrate