Thomas Paine’s 1796 letter to George Washington was a scathing public rebuke, accusing the former president of betrayal, political hypocrisy, and ingratitude—marking a dramatic rupture between two Revolutionary icons.

Thomas Paine’s Letter to George Washington (July 30, 1796)

Context and Background

By 1796, Thomas Paine—author of Common Sense and The American Crisis—had become disillusioned with George Washington. After years of revolutionary collaboration, their relationship soured during Paine’s imprisonment in France during the Reign of Terror. Paine, who had been elected to the French National Convention, was arrested in 1793 and imprisoned for over ten months. He believed Washington, then president, had failed to intervene on his behalf.

Upon his release and return to public life, Paine penned a lengthy open letter from Paris, dated July 30, 1796, published in American newspapers. It was a direct and bitter attack on Washington’s character and presidency.

Key Accusations

In the letter, Paine:

• Accuses Washington of betrayal: He claims Washington abandoned him during his imprisonment in France, writing, “You slept serenely while men were perishing in prison.”
• Criticizes Washington’s administration: Paine denounces the Federalist policies of Washington’s presidency, particularly the Jay Treaty, which he saw as a capitulation to Britain.
• Questions Washington’s integrity: He accuses Washington of duplicity, writing, “The world will be puzzled to decide whether you are an apostate or an impostor.”
• Defends his own legacy: Paine reminds readers of his contributions to American independence and contrasts his revolutionary consistency with what he saw as Washington’s political opportunism.

Tone and Style

The letter is fiery, personal, and polemical. Paine’s rhetorical style—once used to rally Americans against monarchy—is now turned against a fellow revolutionary. He writes with a sense of moral outrage, portraying himself as a betrayed patriot and Washington as a calculating politician.

Impact and Legacy

• Public reaction: The letter shocked many Americans. Washington remained silent, refusing to respond publicly, which some interpreted as dignified restraint.
• Paine’s reputation: The attack damaged Paine’s standing in the U.S., especially among Federalists. Combined with his controversial religious views in The Age of Reason, it contributed to his marginalization in American public life.
• Historical significance: The letter illustrates the fracturing of Revolutionary unity and the emergence of partisan divisions in the early republic. It also reflects Paine’s unwavering commitment to radical republicanism and his disillusionment with what he saw as the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.

Sources:

• Founders Online – Full Text of Paine’s Letter
• Mount Vernon Digital Encyclopedia – Thomas Paine
• Thomas Paine Historical Association – Letter to George Washington