The American Crisis · Chapter
The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York explained
Paine addresses the British commissioners directly, condemning their proclamation as tedious and unmeaning.
What happens
Paine addresses the British commissioners directly, condemning their proclamation as tedious and unmeaning. He refutes claims of British benevolence, asserting that America's successes are due to Providence and French alliance, not British mercy. Paine warns that if Britain threatens incendiary destruction, America can retaliate effectively due to shared language and familiarity with England. He criticizes the commissioners' offer of pardons as worthless and argues that British obstinacy has led only to loss and disgrace, urging peace on American terms.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Tyranny
Paine contrasts American liberty with British tyranny, accusing Britain of cruelty and infidelity.
Divine Providence and Justice
Paine attributes American success to 'the interposition of Providence' rather than British benevolence.
The Cost of War
Paine warns of retaliatory destruction and the economic and human costs of continued conflict.
Unity and National Identity
Paine emphasizes American unity and the noble, open treaty with France as a model of national identity.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of the Crisis VI, writing as 'Common Sense' to address British commissioners.
- America
Portrayed as humane and restrained, but capable of retaliation if provoked.
- Britain
Accused of tyranny, cruelty, and infidelity; warned of potential retaliation.
- Sir William Howe
Not directly mentioned, but referenced implicitly as part of British command.
- Lord Howe
Not directly mentioned, but referenced implicitly as part of British command.
- Congress
Implied as the body that formed the treaty with France.
- Dr. Price
Quoted regarding the vulnerability of the Bank of England to fire.
- Tories
Contrasted with Whigs; described as having 'canine venom' and seeking revenge.
Key passages
“There is a dignity in the warm passions of a Whig, which is never to be found in the cold malice of a Tory.”
Whigs act with noble passion, while Tories are driven by spite.
Paine contrasts the moral character of Whigs and Tories.
“Your cargo of pardons will have no market.”
Your offers of forgiveness are worthless and unwanted.
Paine dismisses British offers of pardons as irrelevant.
“To the interposition of Providence, and her blessings on our endeavors, and not to British benevolence are we indebted for the short chain that limits your ravages.”
Our success comes from divine help, not from British kindness.
Paine credits Providence for limiting British destruction.
“We mean now to take you seriously up upon your own ground and principle, and as you do, so shall you be done by.”
We will treat you exactly as you treat us.
Paine threatens retaliation in kind.
“He who lives in a glass house, should never begin throwing stones.”
If you are vulnerable, do not attack others.
Paine warns Britain that it is exposed to retaliation.
