Russell, Benjamin (1761-1845) Columbian centinel. [Vol. 17, no. 50 (September 1, 1792)] and Columbian centinel. [Vol. 17, no. 51 (September 5, 1792)]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00281 Author/Creator: Russell, Benjamin (1761-1845) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Newspaper Date: 1 September 1792- 5 September 1792 Pagination: 8 p. : newspaper ; 45 x 29 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): GLC00281 PDF
Includes two issues bound together. Issue 50 contains a letter written by Thomas Paine directed to Henry Dundas, Secretary of State for the Home Department in Great Britain. In the letter, Paine defends his work Rights of Man, stating "I do not believe there are to be found in the writings of any author, ancient or modern, on the subject of government, a spirit of greater benignity, and a stronger inculcation of moral principles than in those which I have published." Compares and upholds a representative system of government over a hereditary system. Contains reports regarding the French Revolution, Native Americans in the Northeast, and advertisements of sale. Issue 51 contains the conclusion of Paine's letter to Dundas. Paine states "In America there is not that class of poor and wretched people that are so numerously dispersed all over England, and who are to be told by a proclamation, that they are happy." Later Paine states that no national leader should be paid more than 10,000 pounds per year, and cites George Washington's salary as 5,625, which Washington refuses to accept. Compares poverty in Britain and America. Includes reports on affairs in France and Poland, including older French officers' dismay that men from any social class may obtain commissions. Contains advertisements of sale.
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