A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, on the Affairs of North America, in Which the Mistakes in the Abbe's Account of the Revolution of America Are Corrected and Cleared Up
by Thomas Paine (1737–1809)
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"A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, on the Affairs of North America" by Thomas Paine is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a response to the Abbe Raynal’s commentary on the American Revolution, aiming to correct perceived inaccuracies in his portrayal. Paine critiques both the misunderstandings and misinterpretations of American sentiments and actions during this pivotal time in history. The opening of the text outlines Paine’s motivations for addressing the Abbe Raynal, emphasizing the need for historical accuracy in the context of the American Revolution. Paine argues that the Abbe has misconstrued the causes and nature of the conflict between America and Britain, claiming that essential factors leading to the revolution were either misrepresented or ignored. He asserts the importance of understanding the genuine grievances of the American colonies and critiques the Abbe's historical narrative as overly simplistic and partially erroneous. Throughout the initial passages, Paine sets a combative yet enlightening tone, indicating a strong desire to establish a truthful account of the burgeoning American identity and independence.
- United States · Politics and government · 1775-1783
- United States · History · Revolution, 1775-1783
- Raynal, abbé (Guillaume-Thomas-François), 1713-1796. Révolution de l'Amérique
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Footnote
[1] The state of literature in America must one day become a subject of legislative consideration. Hitherto it hath been a disinterested volunteer in the service of the revolution, and no man thought of profits: but when peace shall give time and opportunity for study, the country will deprive itself of the honour and service of letters and the improvement of science, unless sufficient laws are made to prevent depredations on literary property. It is well worth remarking that Russia, who but a few years ago was scarcely known in Europe, owes a large share of her present greatness to the close attention she has paid, and the wise encouragement she has given to science and learning, and we have almost the same instance in France, in the reign of Lewis XIV.
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This free edition of A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, on the Affairs of North America, in Which the Mistakes in the Abbe's Account of the Revolution of America Are Corrected and Cleared Up by Thomas Paine comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #15279, released 2005-03-07. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Essays, Letters & Speeches, History - American, History - Modern (1750+), Politics.
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