Conway Cabal

Conway Cabal, intrigue during the American Revolution to replace George Washington as commander in chief of the American forces with General Horatio Gates. The intrigue was named after the Irish-born General Thomas Conway, although his part in it was actually minor. In 1777 Washington had suffered defeats at Brandywine Creek and Germantown, whereas Gates had become a hero for his part in the victory at Saratoga; as a result, a number of army officers and members of the Continental Congress felt that Gates should replace Washington. Conway, an officer in the army, wrote a letter to Gates severely criticizing Washington, and a phrase supposedly from the letter eventually reached Washington. Washington publicized a frank letter to Gates, thus turning public sentiment against Gates. Gates had to defend himself before Congress, and all the other participants repudiated their connection with the cabal. Although the letter was later found not to contain the quotation, Conway bore the brunt of the blame and was forced to resign his commission.