General Conway, who was probably the only brigadier in the army that had joined this faction, was appointed inspector general, and was promoted, above senior brigadiers, to the rank of major general.

These were evidences that, if the hold which the Commander-in-chief had taken of the affections and confidence of the army and of the nation could be loosened, the party in congress disposed to change their general, was far from being contemptible in point of numbers.

But to loosen this hold was impossible.

The indignation with which the idea of such a change was received even by the victorious troops who had conquered under Gates, forms the most conclusive proof of its strength.

Even the northern army clung to Washington as the saviour of his country.
[Footnote 97: See note No.XI.at the end of the volume.] These machinations to diminish the well-earned reputation of the Commander-in-chief, could not escape his notice.