Conway Cabal

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CONWAY CABAL

CONWAY CABAL, the name applied to the New England coterie in the Continental Congress and its efforts (1777–1778) to regain control of the army and the Revolution. The name comes from Major General Thomas Conway's letter to Horatio Gates, proposing to replace Washington with Gates as leader of the military campaigns. More generally, members opposed the alliance with France and resented Congress and Washington's authority. The plan backfired, however. When the plots were exposed, Washington received renewed public support that overwhelmed the conspirators both in Congress and in the army. Conway resigned from the army and was replaced by Gen. Friedrich von Steuben.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brookhiser, Richard. Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington. New York: Free Press, 1996.

Mintz, Max M. The Generals of Saratoga: John Burgoyne and Horatio Gates. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1990.

John C.Fitzpatrick/t. d.

See alsoRevolution, American: Military History ; War and Ordnance, Board of .

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