What Ever Happened To Sias Dean?

What ever happened to Silas Deane?

Silas Deane was an American Revolutionary. But most do not know of Silas Deane. To many in the revolutionary times he was a man of scandal. Accused of both treason and diplomacy for own personal gain, Silas Deane was removed from history and left to live in poverty.

Arthur Lee had come to have a dislike for Deane for Deane was a self made man. Lee accused him of making personal gains when he was supposed to be working for the colonies. He was recalled back to Philadelphia where he was not given a fair trial. John Adams became his replacement. Both Deane and Adams had contact with a man named Bancroft who was a spy for the Americans against the British. Bancroft had sold them both information. However it is still unknown if Bancroft was a double agent or not.

Deane put himself in exile in Europe. He was incredibly impoverished and lived in homes of various prostitutes. While under deep depression Deane wrote a letter stating that the Americans should try and make peace with Britain. This letter was intercepted and published in an American newspaper spoiling his reputation even further. Soon after his relationship with his wife's family and even his own son had diminished furthering his depression.

His student and spy, Bancroft had decided to take care of him. He had taken care of his business and let Bancroft recover into a healthier state. Eventually Bancroft was ready to return to the Americas with big plans to build a canal. He even had investments ready.

When he went on the boat to America a couple hours into the voyage while he was still in England because of delays he fell ill with stomach pains. He complained to the captain and was sent to lay down. Four hours later he died.

There has been an ongoing debate over Deane's death. Did he commit suicide? Was he poisoned? Was it just an illness? There are reasons for both. However there are contadicting sources for how Deane was before the voyage. Some said that he was happy and excited to get to America and work on his new project, yet others say that he was extremely depressed and could have been suicidal. Who should historians trust? Obviously some lied or did not know him well enough.

One must rely on the events that happened on the ship and a little before hand. Deane was ready to take back his business from Bancroft. His life seemed to be turning for the better again. Also Deane had plans for the future. People who are ready to commit suicide do not make plans. Also there was no mention