Abstract

William Duane was born in 1760. According to his own account, the birth occurred in New York State, though there is evidence that he was in fact born in Newfoundland, a region which was in regular contact with Southeast Ireland during the eighteenth century (Little 2003). Born to Irish Catholic parents, Duane left North America before the Revolution. He was to spend almost three decades outside of North America; first in Ireland, followed by a brief residence in England, and a spell in India. When he returned to the United States, approaching middle age, he faced continual questioning from his political opponents of his right to reside in the country.