Common Sense — Thomas Paine

Common Sense

Thomas Paine · Licencia: Public domain · Fuente

• The first and second editions of this pamphlet were published without the following calculations, which are now given as a proof that the above estimation of the navy is just.[3] ¶131
• The charge of building a ship of each rate, and furnishing her with masts, yards, sails and rigging, together with a proportion of eight months boatswain's and carpenter's seastores, as calculated by Mr. Burchett, Secretary to the navy. ¶132
• pounds Sterling For a ship of a 100 guns - 35,553 90 - - 29,886 80 - - 23,638 70 - - 17,795 60 - - 14,197 50 - - 10,606 40 - - 7,558 30 - - 5,846 20 - - 3,710 ¶133
• And from hence it is easy to sum up the value, or cost rather, of the whole British navy, which in the year 1757, when it was at its greatest glory consisted of the following ships and guns: ¶134
• Ships. Guns. Cost of one. Cost of all 6 - 100 - 35,553 - 213,318 12 - 90 - 29,886 - 358,632 12 - 80 - 23,638 - 283,656 43 - 70 - 17,785 - 764,755 35 - 60 - 14,197 - 496,895 40 - 50 - 10,606 - 424,240 45 - 40 - 7,558 - 340,110 58 - 20 - 3,710 - 215,180 ¶135
• 85 Sloops, bombs, and fireships, one 2,000 170,000 with another, _________ Cost 3,266,786 Remains for guns, _________ 233,214 _________ 3,500,000 ¶136
• TO CONCLUDE, however strange it may appear to some, or however unwilling they may be to think so, matters not, but many strong and striking reasons may be given, to shew, that nothing can settle our affairs so expeditiously as an open and determined declaration for independance. Some of which are, ¶153
• SECONDLY. - It is unreasonable to suppose, that France or Spain will give us any kind of assistance, if we mean only, to make use of that assistance for the purpose of repairing the breach, and strengthening the connection between Britain and America; because, those powers would be sufferers by the consequences. ¶155
• Under our present denomination of British subjects, we can neither be received nor heard abroad: The custom of all courts is against us, and will be so, until, by an independance, we take rank with other nations. ¶158
• First. That it is the interest of America to be separated from Britain. ¶165
• Secondly. Which is the easiest and most practicable plan, RECONCILIATION OR INDEPENDANCE? With some occasional remarks. ¶166
• First. Because it will come to that one time or other. ¶168
• Secondly. Because, the longer it is delayed the harder it will be to accomplish. ¶169
• The reader will pardon this digression, as it does not properly come under the head I first set out with, and to which I again return by the following position, viz. ¶171
• I proceed now to the second head, viz. Which is the easiest and most practicable plan, RECONCILIATION or INDEPENDANCE; With some occasional remarks. ¶174
• I now proceed to the latter part of your testimony, and that, for which all the foregoing seems only an introduction viz. ¶193
• First, Because it tends to the decrease and reproach of all religion whatever, and is of the utmost danger to society to make it a party in political disputes. ¶197
• Secondly, Because it exhibits a body of men, numbers of whom disavow the publishing political testimonies, as being concerned therein and approvers thereof. ¶198
• Thirdly, because it hath a tendency to undo that continental harmony and friendship which yourselves by your late liberal and charitable donations hath lent a hand to establish; and the preservation of which, is of the utmost consequence to us all. ¶199

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