The Association dedicated to his memory and honour cites twenty-four important reasons why he stands among the very first and noblest figures in American history.

And there are dozens more that they don't cite.

He did things that were against possibility.

When the patriot cause was weak for lack of money he gave a year's salary to start a bank to finance the army, and coaxed, commanded and hypnotised other people into subscribing enough to carry it.

He went to Paris and induced the French King to give $6,000,000 to American independence.
He wrote "Rights of Man" and the "Age of Reason,"-- and, incidentally, was outlawed in England and imprisoned in France! He did more and received less compensation for what he did, either in worldly goods or in gratitude, than any figure in relatively recent history.
America, though--I hear you say!--America, for whom he fought and laboured and sacrificed himself: she surely appreciated his efforts?
Listen.