Deane, Silas (1737-1789)

American public leader and diplomat. He served in the Continental Congress 1774-76 and was dispatched to Paris to gain support from the French government during the American Revolution (1775-83), recruiting French soldier Marie Lafayette, amongst others, for the Continental Army. Falsely accused of financial improprieties, Deane was discharged from his post; he was exonerated posthumously by Congress 1842.

Born in Groton, Connecticut, USA, Deane was educated at Yale University and admitted to the bar 1761. A supporter of American independence, he served in the colonial legislature 1772 and on the Connecticut Committee of Correspondence 1773.