To the Hon. John Jay April 23, 1779

From the original letter at the Library of Congress.

Philadelphia April 23 1779

Honorable Sirs

On enquiry yesterday of Mr. Thomson your Secretary I find that no answer is given to any of my letters. I am unable to account for the seeming inattention of Congress in Collecting information at this particular time, from whatever quarter it may come, and this wonder is the more encreased when I recollect that a private offer was made to me, about three months ago amounting in money to seven hundred pounds a year, yet however polite the proposal might be, or however friendly it might be designed, I thought it my duty to decline it; as it was accompanied with a condition which I conceived had a tendency to prevent the information I have since given and shall yet give to the country on Public affairs.

I have repeatedly wrote to Congress respecting Mr. Deane’s dark incendiary conduct and offered every information in my power. The opportunities I have had of knowing the State of foreign Affairs, is greater than that of many gentlemen of this House, and I want no other knowledge to declare that I look on Mr. Deane to be, what Mr. Carmichael calls him, a Rascal.

Whether Mr. Deane was encouraged by members of this Honble House to traduce the Characters of the rest of the Commissioners, to make room for themselves, and to establish a Commercial Company calculated to monopolize the trade of the country, is what I have not authority to say, but the appearance of things, together with some knowledge I am possessed of, too much Justify the Suspicion.

I am Honble Sirs your Honors Obt Humble Servant

THOS. PAINE

P. S. The enclosed is part of an original letter which was sent to me about a month ago, and if it be of any use to Congress I offer it for their consideration. I never corresponded with the writer, neither have I yet answered it.

T. P.

I shall be obliged to any of the Pennsylvania delegates that will return the enclosed to me.