American Revolutionary War General. He was born in Ireland, raised in France and became an officer in the French Army, attaining the rank of Colonel and receiving the Order of St. Louis for his bravery. In 1777 he offered his services to the Continental Army, receiving a commission as a Brigadier General and taking part in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. He was then appointed by the Continental Congress as the Army's Inspector General with the rank of Major General, to George Washington's displeasure and that of the Army's other Brigadier Generals, all of whom had more seniority. As one of the generals who made comments critical of Washington his name became associated with the Conway Cabal, a group of officers that advocated making Horatio Gates the head of the Continental Army. In July, 1778 he was challenged to a duel by General John Cadwalader, a Washington supporter. During their meeting at a Philadelphia park Conway was hit in the mouth by a bullet, and believing his wound to be mortal, he sent Washington a letter of apology and well wishes. In fact, Conway recovered and returned to the French Army. In 1787 he received promotion to Maréchal-de-camp (Major General) and appointment as Governor of France's possessions in India. He returned to France in 1793 at the outbreak of the French Revolution, leading a force supportive of the King, but was exiled as a Royalist when the monarchy was overthrown. Some historians presume that Conway then took up residence in Ireland, died and was buried there, but exactly what happened to him after he left France is not known.
American Revolutionary War General. He was born in Ireland, raised in France and became an officer in the French Army, attaining the rank of Colonel and receiving the Order of St. Louis for his bravery. In 1777 he offered his services to the Continental Army, receiving a commission as a Brigadier General and taking part in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. He was then appointed by the Continental Congress as the Army's Inspector General with the rank of Major General, to George Washington's displeasure and that of the Army's other Brigadier Generals, all of whom had more seniority. As one of the generals who made comments critical of Washington his name became associated with the Conway Cabal, a group of officers that advocated making Horatio Gates the head of the Continental Army. In July, 1778 he was challenged to a duel by General John Cadwalader, a Washington supporter. During their meeting at a Philadelphia park Conway was hit in the mouth by a bullet, and believing his wound to be mortal, he sent Washington a letter of apology and well wishes. In fact, Conway recovered and returned to the French Army. In 1787 he received promotion to Maréchal-de-camp (Major General) and appointment as Governor of France's possessions in India. He returned to France in 1793 at the outbreak of the French Revolution, leading a force supportive of the King, but was exiled as a Royalist when the monarchy was overthrown. Some historians presume that Conway then took up residence in Ireland, died and was buried there, but exactly what happened to him after he left France is not known.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Gravesite Details
Buried March 3, 1795. No Monumental Inscription.
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