1To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 9–15 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
That I am a bad correspondent is so general a complaint against me, that I must expect the same accusation from you—But hear me first.—When there is no matter to write upon a letter is not worth the trouble of receiving and reading, and while any thing, which is to be the subject of a letter, is in suspence, it is difficult to write, and perhaps best to let it alone—“ least said is soonest...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 15 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
It is difficult to write about an affair while the event of it is depending because prudence restrains a man from giving an anticipated opinion, but as matters at present appear the Construction will take place here. Perhaps the excess of paper Currency and the wish to find objects for reallizing it, is one of the motives for promoting the plan of the Bridge, but I can raise any sum of money...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 16 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 23d Der. continued to the 11th of Janry. came safe to hand for which I thank you. I begin this without knowing of any opportunity of conveyance, and shall follow the method of your letter by writing on till opportunity offers. I thank you for the many and judicious observations about my bridge. I am exactly in your Ideas as you will percieve by the following account.—I went...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 19 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I mentioned to you that I had some conversation with the Marquis de la fayette respecting the Bridge, and his opinion is that it would be best to make some direct proposition to which either yes or no should be given. My principal object is to get the Bridge erected because until then all conversation upon the subject amounts to but little. My chief expectation as to the money part was on Mr....
5To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, May 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your saying last evening that Sir Isaac Newtons principle of Gravitation would not explain, or could not apply as a rule to find the quantity of the Attraction of cohesion, and my replying that I never could comprehend any meaning in the term “Attraction of cohesion,” the result must be, that either I have a dull comprehension, or that the term does not admit of comprehension. It appears to me...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [after 3 July 1788?] (Jefferson Papers)
Explanatory Circumstances 1st. The lost dispatches are dated Octr. 6th. and Oct. 7th. They were sent by a private hand—that is, they were not sent by the post. Capn. Folger had the charge of them. They were all under one cover containing five separate Packets, three of the Packets were on commercial matters only. One of these was to Mr. R. Morris, Chairman of the commercial Committee, one to...
7To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 28 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
As I hope to have, in a few days, the honor and happiness of seeing you well at Philadelphia, I shall not trouble you with a long letter. It was my intention to have followed you on to Philadelphia, but when I recollected the friendship you had shewn to me and the pains you had taken to promote my interest, and knew likewise the untoward disposition of two or three members of Congress, I felt...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 18 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the Book you are so kind to send me. The second part of your letter, concerning taking my picture , I must feel as an honor done to me, not as a favour asked of me, but in this as in other matters I am at the disposal of your friendship. The Committee have among themselves finally agreed on their report which I saw this morning. It will be read in the Academy on...
9To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 21 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am made exceedingly happy, by the receipt of your friendly letter of the 10th inst. which is this moment come to hand; and the young gentleman that brought it, a son of Col. Geo. Morgan’s waits while I write this—It had been sent to Philadelphia, and on my not being there, was returned, agreeable to directions on the outside, to Col. Morgan at Princetown, who forwarded it to this place. I...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, spring 1788(?) (Jefferson Papers)
After I got home, being alone and wanting amusement I sat down to explain to myself (for there is such a thing) my Ideas of natural and civil rights and the distinction between them. I send them to you to see how nearly we agree. Suppose 20 persons, strangers to each other, to meet in a Country not before inhabited. Each would be a sovereign in his own natural right. His will would be his Law,...