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The sculpture

• Artist: Georg John Lober
• Date: 1955
• Material & size: Bronze, over life-size; granite pedestal
• Location: Burnham Park, Morristown, New Jersey, just off Washington Street at Colonial Road.

These views of the sculpture start with the side facing Washington Street and continue around to the left. More on Paine’s writings after the photos.

The Drum and The Crisis

Why is Paine using a drum as a desk? Legend has it that Paine wrote The Crisis while following Washington’s army as they retreated through New Jersey, and that he used a drum as a desk. The drum story is mentioned by Philip S. Foner, Morale Education in the American Army: War for Independence, War of 1812, and Civil War, New York, 1944. (Cited here.) I didn’t have time to investigate how early that story appears.

In any case: Washington ordered that The Crisis be read to his troops before the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776. It begins:

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth.

– Thomas Paine, “The Crisis,” 1776

For more on The Crisis, see the twenty-second post in my Hamilton series, now available in book form.

Paine’s writings and their context

My Hamilton post “A Revue of Royal and Revolutionary Rhetoric” gives the context of events from the 1750s up to the Declaration of Independence, via extracts from primary sources. It includes excerpts from Paine’s Common Sense, which proposed in January 1776 that the colonies declare themselves independent. In fact, the fourth section is like an outline for the Declaration of Independence. Here’s the relevant excerpt:

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,

First.—It is the custom of nations, when any two are at war, for some other powers, not engaged in the quarrel, to step in as mediators, and bring about the preliminaries of a peace: but while America calls herself the Subject of Great-Britain, no power, however well disposed she may be, can offer her mediation. Wherefore, in our present state we may quarrel on for ever.

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.

Thirdly.—While we profess ourselves the subjects of Britain, we must, in the eye of foreign nations, be considered as rebels. The precedent is somewhat dangerous to their peace, for men to be in arms under the name of subjects; we, on the spot, can solve the paradox: but to unite resistance and subjection, requires an idea much too refined for common understanding.

Fourthly.—Were a manifesto to be published, and despatched to foreign courts, setting forth the miseries we have endured, and the peaceable methods we have ineffectually used for redress; declaring, at the same time, that not being able, any longer, to live happily or safely under the cruel disposition of the British court, we had been driven to the necessity of breaking off all connections with her; at the same time, assuring all such courts of our peaceable disposition towards them, and of our desire of entering into trade with them: Such a memorial would produce more good effects to this Continent, than if a ship were freighted with petitions to Britain.

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.

These proceedings may at first appear strange and difficult; but, like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable; and, until an independance is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.

– Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

For more on Common Sense, see the eleventh post in my Hamilton series, now available in book form.

Paine’s Pedestal

Here are the four sides, starting again with the side that faces Washington Street.

More

• HT to Rand Scholet of the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society for suggesting I seek out this sculpture.
• On the bust of Paine in the Bronx Hall of Fame, see this post, which includes more excerpts from his works.
• All my Hamilton blog posts have been published in a two-volume set: see this post.
• Lober also sculpted Hans Christian Andersen in Central Park.
• In Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You Love, I demonstrate a method for looking at sculptures in detail, in depth, and on your own. Learn to enjoy your favorite sculptures more, and find new favorites. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. More here.
• Want wonderful art delivered weekly to your inbox? Check out my Sunday Recommendations list: details here. If you enjoyed this post and would like to show your support for my work, click on the Tip Jar button on the same page.