To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Conway, 22 March 1779
From Thomas Conway
ALS: American Philosophical Society
22d March 1779
Sir
The inclos’d is from our common friend Mr richard peters.4 I would have been the Bearer my self were it not for sudden and very pressing occupations. The Little tribulations I have met with are of a private Nature and did not alter my principles or opinion concerning the important cause which I Wish’d to Serve to the Best of my abilities. With Much regard I am, Sir your Excellency’s Most obedt servt5
Tho. Conway
4. In late 1777 Conway had been named inspector general of the continental army while Peters (XXIII, 274n) was named to the reorganized continental board of war headed by Horatio Gates. Conway’s “little tribulations” were his resignation and the wounds he received in a duel, both the result of his supposed participation in the so-called “Conway cabal,” for which see Freeman, Washington, IV, 555–63, 586–611. The enclosure, now missing, may have been Peters’ letter of Nov. 4, 1778 (XXVIII, 33–4), recommending its bearer, Col. Mauduit du Plessis, and inquiring about Peters’ father, with whom he had lost contact. Conway was still in Philadelphia at that date; five days later he wrote from there to Henry Laurens (National Archives).
5. On the verso of this letter is a sketch of four connected L-shaped figures.