Deane, Silas (1737–1789), an American Revolutionary leader. A wealthy Connecticut lawyer and merchant, Deane was a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774–76. Congress sent him to France in 1776 to seek aid. He succeeded in obtaining supplies from France, as well as securing the services of a number of European army officers. In 1778 he was recalled when a fellow negotiator, Arthur Lee, falsely accused him of embezzling money meant for arms. Unable to resolve the issue with Congress, Deane became disillusioned and wrote a letter calling for reconciliation with England. Its publication drove him into exile in Europe. He lived there until his death aboard a ship off southeastern England on September 23, 1789. Congress cleared Deane's name in 1842 and voted his heirs $37,000 as restitution.