Thomas Paine letter to George Washington, 21 September 1783

Bordentown, 21 September, 1783.

I am made exceedingly happy by the receipt of your friendly letter of the 10th instant, which is this moment come to hand ; and the young gentleman that brought it, a son of Colonel George Morgan, waits while I write this. It had been sent to Philadelphia, and on my not being there, was returned, agreeably to directions on the outside, to Colonel Morgan at Princeton, who forwarded it to this place. I most sincerely thank you for your good wishes and friendship to me, and the kind invitation you have honored me with, which I shall with much pleasure accept.

On the resignation of Mr. Livingston in the winter, and likewise of Mr. Robert Morris , it was judged proper to discontinue the matter which took place when you were in Philadelphia. It was at the same time a pleasure to me to find both these gentlemen (to whom I was, before that time, but little known), so warmly disposed to assist in rendering my situation permanent; and Mr. Livingston's letter to me, in answer to one of mine to him, which I inclose, will serve to show that his friendship to me is in concurrence with yours.

By the advice of Mr. Morris, I presented a letter to Congress expressing a request that they would be pleased to direct me to lay before them an account of what my services, such as they were, and situation, had been during the course of the war. This letter was referred to a Committee, and their report is now before Congress, and contains, as I am informed, a recommendation that I be appointed Historiographer to the Continent. I have desired some members, that the further consideration of it be postponed, until I can state to the Committee some matters which I wish them to be acquainted with, both with regard to myself and the appointment. And as it was my intention, so I am now encouraged by your friendship, to take your confidential advice upon it before I present it. For, though I never was at a loss in writing on public matters, I feel exceedingly so in what respects myself

I am hurt by the neglect of the collective, ostensible body of America, in a way in which it is probable they do not perceive my feelings. It has an effect in putting either my reputation, or their generosity, at stake ; for it cannot fail of suggesting that either I (notwithstanding the appearance of service) have been undeserving their regard, or that they are remiss towards me. Their silence is to me something like condemnation, and their neglect must be justified by my loss of reputation, or my reputation supported at their injury ; either of which is alike painful to me. But, as I have ever been dumb on every thing which might touch national honor, so I mean ever to continue so. Wishing you. Sir, the happy enjoyment of peace, and every public and private felicity, I remain, your Excellency's

Most obliged and obedient, humble servant,

Thomas Paine.