Thomas Conway was an Irishman recruited by Silas Deane to serve in the Continental Army.
He would serve with distinction, become involved in the Conway Cabal, and get shot by one of George Washington's officers in a duel to defend Washington's honor.
He returned to France after the American Revolution and would fight in the French Revolution.
Early Life
Thomas Conway was born in Ireland to James and Julieanne Conway.
He lived in Ireland during his childhood until his family migrated to France. He showed an interest in the military at a young age and enrolled in the Irish Brigade of the French Army.
By 1772, 3 years before the American Revolution would break out, he was promoted to colonel of his brigade.
Recruitment and Revolution
When the American Revolution began, he was still in France but volunteered to serve in the Continental Army. He served in the army to better his standing in France, as military glory would often be rewarded.
He was introduced to Congress by Silas Deane, who promoted him to brigadier general and sent him to George Washington.
He and George Washington did not have a good relationship from the start as the General found his personality to be abrasive and arrogant. While Conway did not agree with the tactics Washington employed.
Conway was given command of the leading brigade on the American right flank and served with great distinction at the Battle of Germantown.
Congress wanted to promote him to a major general, which Washington opposed. General Washington believed that he had more deserving men who were American-born with longer and more valuable service.
Despite Washington's recommendation, Conway was promoted, which caused more problems between the two men.
His Demise
Thomas Conway began to communicate with other officers and members of Congress. In his writings, he was critical of George Washington and believed that he should be replaced by Horatio Gates.
This plan did not work, and Conway was found out, as was Gates. Conway, knowing he no longer had any influence, resigned from his position.
One of George Washington's officers, John Cadwalader, shot him in a duel on July 4, 1778.
He recovered from his wound and returned to France.
Later Years
After he returned to France, he was promoted to Major General, where he served in India until the French Revolution.
He fought with the royals during the French Revolution and was captured and sentenced to death. He was released by an appeal to Great Britain.
After his release, he fled France and was never heard from again. It is believed he died in exile and poverty in 1800.