George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Conway, 16 November 1777

From Brigadier General Thomas Conway

Camp [Whitemarsh, Pa.] the 16th November 1777

sir

The hopes and appearance of a french War, along with some other reasons, have induc’d me to send my resignation to Congress.1 as soon as the tryal of General stephens is over, I hope your Excellency will permitt me to Depart the army, in order to return to france as soon as possible.2 I return thanks to your Excellency for the civilitys you have shew’d me while I had the honour of being under your orders, and Begg you will accept of my warm and sincere Wishes for the Liberty of America and the success of your arms. I am sir your Excellency’s Most humble and obedient servant

Ths Conway

ALS, NhHi.

1Along with his commission, Conway enclosed an eight-page letter of 14 Nov. justifying his actions. The letter was addressed to Charles Carroll, “or in his absence to the secy of Congress” (DNA:PCC, item 159). The letter was read in Congress and referred to the Board of War on 24 Nov. (JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 9:958). For rumors of an impending war between France and Great Britain, see GW to John Parke Custis, 14 Nov., and note 3.

2For the court-martial of Maj. Gen. Adam Stephen, which concluded on 17 Nov., see General Orders, 25 Oct., 2 Nov., and 20 November.

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