To the Continental Congress May 25, 1779

To the Continental Congress May 25, 1779

PHILADELPHIA,

HONORABLE SIRS:

On the 20th inst. I applied to Congress for such parts of Mr. Deane’s Narrative and subsequent letters as refer to me personally or to the Publication signed Common Sense of which I am the author to which request I have received no answer.

I have strong reasons to suspect that Mr. Deane in his former official capacity as Agent and Commissioner from the United States, has been dishonest, that: he has defrauded the Public, and that he has embezzled or is privy to the embezzling the public dispatches and that conscious

of his crime he is seeking shelter, directly or indirectly among his advocates in this House. I therefore request that my application for copies of his Narrative and letters may be granted to me or refused me.

THOMAS PAINE.