January 9, 1776
There is no question that Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, was influential. But there has long been a question around the exact date of publication—the date when the pamphlets, printed by Robert Bell in Philadelphia, were available to purchase. Benjamin Towne printed this advertisement for Common Sense in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on January 9 and said that the pamphlet was published and for sale “THIS day.” The same advertisement—including “THIS day”—was printed in two other Philadelphia newspapers, the Pennsylvania Journal and the Pennsylvania Gazette, the next day, on January 10, which explains the confusion.
Common Sense was divided into four sections, as described in the advertisement. Paine laid out arguments in favor of declaring independence and establishing new governments. Delegates to the Continental Congress were quick to read Common Sense. For example, on January 13, Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire wrote that a pamphlet on the subject of independence had been printed and “greedily bought up and read by all ranks of people.” He offered to send a copy home to share among different people. “Perhaps on consideration” of a formal separation from Great Britain, he wrote, “there may not appear any thing so terrible in that thought as they might at first apprehend.”
The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne
Philadelphia, January 9, 1776.
THIS day was published, and is now selling by Robert Bell, in Third-street (price two shillings) COMMON SENSE addressed to the inhabitants of America, on the following interesting SUBJECTS.
Of the origin and design of government in general, with concise Remarks on the English constitution.
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession.
Thoughts on the present state of American affairs.
Of the present ability of America, with some miscellaneous reflections.
Man knows no master save creating Heaven,
Or those whom choice and common good ordain.
Thomson.
