# The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York explained — The American Crisis > Chapter companion for The American Crisis by Thomas Paine. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/the-crisis-vi-to-the-earl-of-carlisle-general-clinton-and-william-eden-esq-british-commissioners-at-new-york - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters