Volume CLXXVI • No. 1

The Federal Ledger

Est. 1776 • Digital Archive of the Republic

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Portrait of Silas Deane
Connecticut
Silas Deane
First Diplomat

Silas Deane

1737–1789 • Connecticut
Commissioner to France

Most Important Quote

“Without French powder, we are only farmers with anger.”
— Silas Deane

Biography

First American sent abroad as a diplomat. Secured early French aid before Franklin arrived in Paris.

Stances

Patriot, later accused of corruption, defended himself in exile.

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