He (Porcupine) every day, advertizes his pamphlet against me, and
after my name adds, "commonly known by the name of the fire-brand
philosopher."
However, he flattered himself that he would soon be back in
Northumberland, where he would be usefully engaged, as
I have cut myself out work for a year at least ... besides
attending to my experiments.
Mr. Adams had come into the Presidency, so Priestley very properly went
to pay his respects and
take leave of the late President (Washington)
whom he thought in not very good spirits, although
he invited me to Mount Vernon and said he thought he should hardly
go from home twenty miles as long as he lived.
Priestley's fame was rapidly spreading through the land. Thoughtful men
were doing him honor in many sections of the country, as is evident from
the following clipping from a Portland (Me.) paper for March 27, 1797:--
On Friday the twenty-fourth a number of gentlemen, entertaining a
high sense of the character, abilities and services of the
Reverend Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, as a friend and promoter of true
science dined together at the Columbian Tavern, in commemoration
of his birth. The following toasts were given.
1. That Illustrious Christian and Philosopher, Joseph Priestley:
May the world be as grateful to him for his services as his
services are beneficial to the world.
2. May the names of Locke, Newton, Montesquieu, Hartley and
Franklin be had in everlasting remembrance.
3. The great gift of God to man, Reason! May it influence the
world in policy, in laws, and in religion.
4. TRUTH: May the splendour of her charms dissipate the gloom of
superstition, and expel hypocricy from the heart of man.
5. May our laws be supported by religion: but may religion never be
supported by law.
6. White-robed Charity: May she accompany us in all our steps and
cover us with a mantle of love.