Bergen250 proudly presents Jack Kelly: Thomas Paine in the American Revolution

Thomas Paine was a recent immigrant from England when the Revolutionary War erupted. In the final months of 1775, he wrote Common Sense, the most influential pamphlet of the era, and convinced reluctant Americans to declare themselves independent. Paine then volunteered with the Pennsylvania militia and marched to war as a private. He transferred to the Continental Army and accompanied George Washington’s army on their harrowing retreat across New Jersey during November and December of 1776.

Jack Kelly, the author of the new book Tom Paine’s War will talk about Paine’s brief but consequential military career, which culminated in his publication of The American Crisis, the great rallying cry that preceded Washington’s counterattack on Christmas night. “These are the times that try men’s souls,” Paine memorably wrote. His words helped revive the spirits of soldiers and civilians. During that fraught time, when the existence of the new nation was on the line, Paine helped bend the arc of history toward victory.

This gripping story emphasizes how the ideas and values of the Revolutionary era influenced battlefield outcomes. Bergen County plays a role in the story — Paine was stationed in Fort Lee in November. Once that bastion fell to the British, he narrowly escaped and rushed to cross the bridge at Hackensack. He then accompanied the army south and west until they found refuge across the Delaware River.