The deceiver unmasked; or, Loyalty and interest united: : in answer to a pamphlet entitled Common sense. / By a loyal American

Title page and preface of a rebuttal to Thomas Paine's Common sense by a New York loyalist clergyman. Before it could be distributed, the printer's stock was burned by a mob; a notation on this copy says it was salvaged from the fire. Also published in Philadelphia under the title: The true interest of America impartially stated. Preface dated: February 16, 1776. Type ornament head and tail-pieces. Signatures: A-G⁶ H² (H2 verso blank). References: Bristol 4238; Adams, T. R. Amer. pamphlets, 219a; ESTC W8906. New-York Historical copy imperfect: leaf C6 torn lower outer corner, missing, affecting text. Has manuscript note in contemporary hand on H2 verso: "General Duykinck's Committee went to the House of Mr. Loudon's and destroyed all these Pamphlets just as they were ready to be published.--this Copy was saved.-- 'Tis suspected this was wrote on board Govr. Tyron's Ship & John Tabor Kempe woud be taken for the Author only that there are many Scripture Passages contained in it." Manuscript correction on p. iv, line 9, "associates" changed to "assertors", which is in the Philadelphia edition. Inscribed on front binder's blank: "Gift of Daniel Parish, Jr. Purchased by him for $10 from Lathrop C. Harper." Library copy bound in calf, rebacked with buckram. Original binder's blank at end with Onderdonk watermark of eagle within circle. Cf. Gravell, T.L. Amer. watermarks, 515. Contents: Of the origin and design of government in general with concise remarks on the English constitution -- Of monarchy and hereditary succession -- Thoughts on the present state of American affairs.