s for his great address and assiduity
in our cause; I can only say he appears to have undertaken it on great
and liberal principles, and has in the pursuit made it his own. His
interest and influence, which are great, have been exerted to the
utmost in the cause of the United States, and I hope the consequences
will equal his wishes.

I have the honor to be, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.

Paris, 29th November, 1776.

Gentlemen,

I have recommended several officers to your service, but none with
greater pleasure, scarce any one with so much confidence of his
answering great and valuable purposes, as the bearer, Colonel Conway,
a native of Ireland, advanced in the service by his merit. His views
are to establish himself and his growing family in America;
consequently he becomes our countryman and engages on the most certain
principles. This gentleman has seen much service; his principal
department has been that of training and disciplining troops, and
preparing for action; and from his abilities as well as from his long
experience, he is considered as one of the most skilful
disciplinarians in France. Such an officer must be, I conceive, of
very great service, and his generously confiding in the honorable
Congress for such rank and appointments as they shall confer, entitles
him still more to our immediate attention and notice. I have assured
him of the most favorable reception, and am confident he will receive
the same.

Colonel Conway takes with him some young officers of his own training,
who know well the English language, and may be of immediate service in
the same important department of discipline. As Colonel Conway has
been long in service, (though in prime of life) I am confident you
will not think it right he should rank under those who have served
under him in this kingdom, which will not be the case if he fills the
place of an Adjutant, or Brigadier General, for which, I am well
assured, he is every way well qualified. I have advanced him as per
receipt enclosed towards his expenses and appointments or wages, and
told him he may rely on your granting him one of the above ranks in
the Continental forces. Should the honorable Congress have a new body
of troops to form in any part of the Continent, this gentleman mi