(Chalmers, James) | The principal Loyalist reply to Common Sense

(Chalmers, James)

Plain Truth; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America, containing, Remarks on a Late Pamphlet, entitled Common Sense. Wherein are Shewn, that the Scheme of Independence is Ruinous, Delusive, and Impracticable … and that Circumstanced as we are, Permanent Liberty, and True Happiness, can only be Obtained by Reconciliation with that Kingdom [Great Britain]. Written by Candidus. Philadelphia: Printed, and Sold, by R. Bell, 1776

8vo (203 x 122 mm). With preliminary leaf ("The Printer to the Public"); scattered browning and staining, stamp removed from foot of [A]3. Nineteenth-century brown morocco over marbled boards, pink pastedowns, sprinkled edges; extremities rubbed.

A scarce Loyalist refutation of Common Sense, issued within a couple of months of Thomas Paine's revolutionary pamphlet; this printing is variously designated as the second edition or a reissue of the first edition, with additions.

Dedicated to John Dickinson, Plain Truth provides a point-by-point rebuttal to Paine's incendiary polemic, arguing that independence would not only deprive the American colonies of their most important trading partner, but also invite invasion by Spain or France. Chalmers, a wealthy Maryland planter who adopted the pen name Candidus, issued his response to Common Sense so quickly, in fact, that Paine had not yet been identified as its author. Chalmers's Additions to Plain Truth has its own title-page (but continuous pagination and signing). Between the two parts of Plain Truth appear a critique of Common Sense, signed Rationalis, and William Smith’s pseudonymous "Cato's Letter (being his Second) to the People of Pennsylvania. … With some Observations against American Independency." 

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the work is a stirring declaration by Robert Bell on a preliminary advertising leaf (often lacking) headed "The Printer to the Public: On the Freedom of the Press." Bell writes, "Having very lately, without any other authority, than the Liberty of the Press, ushered into the hands of the public, certain speculations For American Independency. By the same Authority, viz., the Liberty of the Press: Robert Bell, Provedore to the Sentimentalists; hath printed, published, and is now selling (Price Three Shillings) to all who are capable of practicing so much impartiality, as to give a hearing to the other Side, by lending their attention towards certain speculations. Against American Independency. And that no malicious person, or persons, may plead ignorance of this indubitable and firmly established Authority, The Liberty of the Press, which doth, and forever will prevail in all those countries, where Freedom is the Basis of the Constitution." Appropriately, then, opposite the title-page for Plain Truth is printed an advertisement for Common Sense.

PROVENANCE

Michael Sharpe (morocco label)

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 64; Adams, American Independence 208c; Bristol B4191; ESTC W27653; Gimbel CS-208a; Hildeburn 3345; Shipton & Mooney 43001