The American Crisis · Chapter
The Crisis V: To Gen. Sir William Howe explained
In this fiery address, Thomas Paine excoriates King George III, the British ministry, and General Howe, condemning their cruelty and deceit.
What happens
In this fiery address, Thomas Paine excoriates King George III, the British ministry, and General Howe, condemning their cruelty and deceit. He argues that divine providence has separated America from Britain, predicts Britain's decline and America's future prosperity, and analyzes the strategic situation after the capture of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. Paine calls for continued unity and resolve, emphasizing that the death wound has been given and final success is within reach if Americans press their advantage.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Justice
Paine asserts that God has parted America from Britain and that divine justice will punish British atrocities.
The Cost of War
The chapter vividly describes the destruction of life and property, and the moral degradation caused by war.
Freedom vs. Tyranny
Paine contrasts American virtue and liberty with British tyranny, corruption, and cruelty.
Hope and Resilience
Despite hardships, Paine expresses confidence that the 'death wound is already given' and final victory is near.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of the Crisis, delivering a scathing indictment of the British king, ministry, and General Howe.
- Sir William Howe
Directly addressed by Paine; criticized for retreating into Philadelphia and for the failed attack on Mud Island.
- Britain
Portrayed as brutal, deceitful, and self-destructive; accused of atrocities in India and America.
- America
Described as young, virtuous, and favored by heaven; destined to flourish after suffering.
- George the Third
Denounced as base and villainous; his speech at Parliament is called a 'soliloquy on ill luck.'
- General Burgoyne
Mentioned as a prisoner after Saratoga; his capture is seen as a decisive blow to British prestige.
- George Washington
Referenced as commanding the army at Whitemarsh, alongside General Gates.
- General Gates
Mentioned as commander of the northern army that joined Washington's forces.
Key passages
“There is not in the compass of language a sufficiency of words to express the baseness of your king, his ministry and his army.”
No words can fully capture the wickedness of the British king, his ministers, and his soldiers.
Paine's hyperbolic condemnation of British leadership.
“The will of God has parted us, and the deed is registered for eternity.”
God has decided to separate America from Britain, and this separation is permanent.
Paine invokes divine authority to justify American independence.
“The death wound is already given. The day is ours if we follow it up.”
The decisive blow has been struck; victory is within our grasp if we press forward.
Paine's rallying cry after the victory at Saratoga.
“She is the only power who could practise the prodigal barbarity of tying men to mouths of loaded cannon and blowing them away.”
Britain is the only nation that would wastefully and cruelly tie men to cannon mouths and blow them apart.
Paine condemns British atrocities in India, referencing reports by General Burgoyne.
