Paine, Robert Treat, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts

Autograph letter signed ("R. T. Paine"), 3 pages (13 x 8 1/8 in.; 330 x 205 mm), Boston, 29 March 1782, to Nathaniel Freeman, discussing the inconclusive peace with Britain, general malaise among the people regarding taxes and debt, and judicial matters, integral address leaf; short fold separation on first leaf, 2 seal tears closed (one with cello tape), address leaf age darkened. Blue linen folding case, blue morocco spine lettered gilt; spine faded.  

"My observation of this Revolution teaches me that scarce anything has turn'd out according to expectation. Matters of greatest reliance have failed us, & little unexpected matters have saved us; our most flushed Enterprises & views have disappointed us & in the greatest distress & darkness of Embarrassments we have suddenly had the greatest relief. I have sometimes thought that the Cloud & the Light have been as visible to us as the Israelites breaking from the Bondage of Egypt." Paine confides to fellow jurist and militia general Nathaniel Freeman of Sandwich, Massachusetts.

General malaise. Although the Battle of Yorktown effectively ended the War, Paine points out that the British are stalling a definitive peace thorugh various machinations. On the home front, the general citizenry are burdened with and disgruntled by steep taxes. Paine observes: "[T]hey don't consider it is the War in general & the disproportionate Expence of raising men that enhances the Taxes. But out of misfortune is, that there is not in our Towns a sufficient number of men of knowledge and disposition to clear up these matters & quiet the people."

Restoring order. As Attorney General of Massachusetts, Paine reports that the Committee of Revising the Laws was working on restoring clarity to extant laws. "The Committee ... sat a large part of the winter past & reported near 60 Laws containing a number of the most essential ones. They have not half gone through being called off by other engagements & the Task is very great. The Genl. Court have done but little towards passing them. I suppose the Fall session may afford us a system. ... I know there has been great pains take to make them consistent, concise, intelligible & applicable ... our duty is to hold on & hold out, & to keep continually before our eyes of our present circumstances & of 1775 & must at all Events be the effects of now desponding."