Endnotes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Unity and National Identity

  The endnotes emphasize the importance of the Union of the States, as Paine argues that unity was the 'great hinge' of the revolution and essential for survival against foreign enemies.

• Patriotism and Sacrifice

  The notes discuss the sacrifices of individuals like John Pemberton and the Quakers, as well as the broader theme of sacrificing a season for the cause.

• The Cost of War

  The endnotes reference the destruction of property, the loss of life (e.g., Colonel Rahl), and the hardships faced by both sides during the revolution.

Characters to notice

• Thomas Paine

  Paine is the author of the Crisis essays; the endnotes detail his enlistment, his role as Secretary of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, and his interactions with other figures.

• Benjamin Franklin

  Franklin is mentioned as a friend of Paine in England and as a patron who provided materials for a history of the revolution; he is also noted as a supposed author of 'Common Sense.'

• George Washington

  Washington is referenced in connection with the Battle of Brandywine and the intelligence Paine gathered about his army; the notes also mention a scheme to replace him with General Gates.

• Sir William Howe

  Howe is mentioned as a British commissioner and as the commander who occupied Philadelphia; Franklin's remark about Howe is cited.

• Lord Howe

  Lord Howe is noted as a British commissioner sent to negotiate with Congress and as a friend of Franklin in London.

• General Burgoyne

  Burgoyne's capture at Saratoga is referenced, and the notes mention that Washington was credited with a role in it.

• General Gates

  Gates is mentioned as a hero after Saratoga and as part of a scheme to replace Washington.

• The Quakers

  The Quakers are discussed in relation to their political stance and the actions of John Pemberton; a note clarifies Paine's criticism of the society.

Key passages

• “The present winter is worth an age, if rightly employed; but, if lost or neglected, the whole continent will partake of the evil; and there is no punishment that man does not deserve, be he who, or what, or where he will, that may be the means of sacrificing a season so precious and useful.”

  This winter is extremely valuable if used wisely; if wasted, the entire continent will suffer, and anyone who causes the loss of such a precious season deserves any punishment.

  A citation from Paine's 'Common Sense,' emphasizing the urgency of using time effectively during the revolution.

• “But the great hinge on which the whole machine turned, is the Union of the States: and this union was naturally produced by the inability of any one state to support itself against any foreign enemy without the assistance of the rest.”

  The key factor that made everything work was the Union of the States, which arose because no single state could defend itself alone against a foreign enemy.

  Paine argues that the necessity of mutual defense led to the union that saved the colonies.

• “I have never met with a man, either in England or America, who has not confessed it as his opinion that a separation between the countries would take place one time or other; and there is no instance in which we have shown less judgment, than in endeavoring to describe what we call the ripeness or fitness of the continent for independence.”

  Everyone I have met in both England and America agrees that separation will eventually happen, and we have shown poor judgment in trying to determine the exact right time for independence.

  An extract from 'Common Sense' used by Paine to support his argument about the inevitability and timing of independence.