Tho Mas Paine The Rights Of Man

The Rights of Man, part first, was published in London, in March, 1791, and gained as much popularity in England, as his Coiimon Sense had in the United States. In February, 1792, the second part of the Rights of Man was published in London. In May, of the same year, the king issued a proclamation for suppressing all "seditious and libellous works ;" designating none, but evidently aiming at the Rights of Man. The attorney-general commenced a prosecution the same day against Paine, as the author. His trial was to come on the following December. In Sep tember, preceding, a French deputation announced to him his election to the national convention, from the department of Ca lais. He immediately left England ; but his trial came on as if he were present—for libellous passages in the
He was removed to New-Rochelle, and buried on his estate, and this inscription, at his own request, placed on his tombstone. " Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense : died June 8th, 1809, aged 72 years and 5 months." Probably no man ever was more abused by writers than Tho mas Paine. Nothing like an impartial history of his life and writings has been published : he seems, according to his biogra- pners, a rara avis—a man without one good quality ; who lived more than seventy years without ever performing one good action with a good intention. Some occurrences, on which it would be ridiculous in men of sense not to bestow praise, they have, wisely for their plan, passed slightly over. But invariably, where there was room to hang a doubt, they have attributed the worst of mo tives to him. That his publications during the American revolution, were of eminent service to this country, cannot be disputed. And al though now every one is familiar with, and advocates the senti ments contained in them, it should be recollected that they were nearly original, and dangerous to be acknowledged at that