Conway Cabal and Gates' effort to replace Washington.

Horatio Gates had frequently argued that he should have been named the head commander of the Continental Army rather than George Washington. He grabbed the opportunity to approach Congress for a promotion to a higher post as soon as his triumph at Saratoga was over. He thereby held both the position of president of the Board of War and that of the field commander, which was a classic case of a conflict of interest. Some members of Congress at the time favored Horatio Gates to succeed Washington.

This post elevated him above his commanding commander, Washington, which was even more embarrassing. Through a letter, Washington was informed of Gates' scheme. General Thomas Conway wrote a scathing letter of Washington, which Gates adjutant James Wilkinson passed to General William Alexander. Alexander then sent it on to Washington. Henry Laurens, the president of Congress, read the letter and informed Congress of the Conway Cabal's existence. The people who supported Washington flocked to his side. Horatio Gates was able to quench his craving for power in the end. He expressed regret to Washington, resigned from his position as head of the Board of War, but preserved his military rank. But things went downhill between him and Washington.