Paine Replies to Burke: Rights of Man

Abstract

After writing his letter to Burke,¹ Paine stayed on in Paris, watching with approval the progress of the revolution. He now planned to take and active part in it himself, by some publication which, he hoped, would have an influence comparable to that of Common Sense in the American revolution. He was in close contact with Lafayette, who seems to have supplied him with materials for an account of the events of 1789. In January 1790 Lafayette wrote to Washington: “Common Sense is writing for you a brochure in which you will see a portion of my adventures. The result will be, I hope, happy for my country and for humanity.” ² This brochure was never published, but there can be little doubt that the material for it was incorporated in Rights of Man, Part I, which was, in fact, dedicated to George Washington.