Conway Cabal

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The Conway Cabal refers to an effort in late 1777 and 1778 to remove George Washington as commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It was named after Brigadier General Thomas Conway, whose letters criticizing Washington were forwarded to the Congress. The proposed removal failed when it became public, as Conway resigned and General Horatio Gates apologized to Washington.

"Conspiracy" is perhaps too strong a term to use in describing varied actions by disaffected officers and some Congressional delegates. Most of those involved shared the view only that Washington should be replaced, and very few activities were coordinated. While Gates was used as a stalking horse to replace Washington, and certainly had been politically lobbying for command, he was not responsible for the strong response within the Congress.

Opposition to Washington's command in the Congress was anchored by Thomas Mifflin. His view of Washington as a rank amateur was supported by Richard Henry Lee and others.

The proponents of removal believed they had a timely chance to succeed. Washington was having limited success in New Jersey and had not been able to drive the British Army from Philadelphia. Gates was the supposed hero of Saratoga, though he took credit for much of what Benedict Arnold had accomplished. Besides his command of the Northern Department of the Continental Army, Gates was head of the Board of War, which directly exercised Congress' control of the Army. Conway had been appointed as Inspector General of the Army, and Gates' adjutant James Wilkinson had been made brevet Brigadier General and was serving as secretary to the board.