# Cato's Letters **URL:** **By** Paul Meany **Published:** March 12, 2020 --- John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon wrote Cato’s Letters in 1720. The essays quickly became the most popular reading of their day for their fiery criticism of the British government and radical political philosophy. Between 1720-1723 in England, a popular weekly pamphlet became a thorn in the government's side for viciously criticizing the corruption and greed of politicians. This pamphlet was known as _Cato's Letters_, written by John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon consisted of over a hundred "letters" on topics such as freedom of speech, religious toleration, the benefits of liberty, and the right to resist tyrannical governments. Their writings became extremely popular not only in England but also in America. Throughout the American Revolution _Cato's Letters_ were quoted as an esteemed authority of the nature of freedom and the nightmare of tyranny. ## Further Reading: [Cato’s Letters: 300 Years](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/catos-letters-300-years), written by Chris Edwards [The Legacy and the Ideas Behind Cato’s Letters](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/legacy-ideas-behind-catos-letters), written by Paul Meany [Cato’s Letters](https://www.libertarianism.org/encyclopedia/catos-letters), Encyclopedia of Libertarianism