Plain truth
Subtitle: addressed to the inhabitants of America. Containing remarks on a late pamphlet, intitled Common sense: wherein are shewn, that the scheme of independence is ruinous, delusive, and impracticable; that were the author's asseverations, respecting the power of America, as real as nugatory, reconciliation on liberal principles with Great Britain would be exalted policy; and that, circumstanced as we are, permanent liberty and true happiness can only be obtained by reconciliation with that kingdom
By: Written by Candidus
Publisher: Printed: London, Reprinted for J. Almon, opposite Burlington House, in Piccadilly.
Published: 1776
Place of publication: Philadelphia
Language: eng
Number of pages: 47
Subjects: Politics and government
Notes: [A reply to Common sense] signed "Rationalis": p. [38]-44.

"Extract from the second letter to the people of Pennsylvania; being that part of it which relates to independency. By a writer under the signature of Cato" (pseud. of Rev. William Smith): p. [45]-47.

Cf. P. L. Ford, "The authorship of 'Plain truth'" (Penna. mag. of hist. & biog., v. 12, p. 421-424) as to the improbability of its having been written by certain hitherto accredited authors, Alexander Hamilton, Joseph Galloway, George Chalmers, or the Rev. Charles Inglis, with whose "True interest of America ..." (another reply to Common sense) it has sometimes been confused. Ford assigns "Plain truth" to Dr. William Smith, provost of the University of Pennsylvania, because of the extract by "Cato",

confessedly his, finding additional evidence in "Oliver Ellsworth's [read Oliver Wolcott's] copy ... now in the Library of Congress", on the t.-p. of which "is noted in the handwriting of its former owner, 'By William Smith' [read Doct. Smith of Phila.]"