“The Curious Case of Silas Deane” creates a new perspective on what people think of as history. Although many people define history as something that happened in the past, through "The Strange Death of Silas Deane" the authors make it clear that this average view of history can be extremely misleading. History involves examining evidence and making connections. There are opposing opinions on what the truth actually is, but given the evidence, the case cannot be concretely proven. Silas Deane, the son of a gentle blacksmith, was an enthusiastic gentleman with a thirst for wealth. Deane was moved from being the son of a blacksmith to being Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States court in France. People considered him a determined man who enjoyed "fame, honor and wealth." This merchant turned politician was sent to France as ambassador of the colonies. While in France, he was accused of using his position to make a private fortune. In 1776, Deane had communicated with a friend who had a house in France, Edward Bancroft, about changing professions and being Deane's "private secretary" in Paris and a spy for America when he was in England. Both Deane and Bancroft used their connections in France to conduct their own lucrative private deals, and both decided to play illegally in the London insurance markets. Historians did not realize that Edward Bancroft was a double agent until the files of several British officials were opened almost a hundred years later. One of the members of British intelligence, Paul Wentworth, realized that Bancroft would be a useful spy. At this point he presented him to two secretaries of state who persuaded Bancroft to submit reports on the American negotiations ... middle of paper ...... all problems after eating and dizziness as well. If he tried to commit suicide, why would he complain about his illness? He was a smart enough man to know that this would happen. Although Silas Deane's death remains unsolved, there are many signs that suggest what the outcome could be. The most reasonable outcome seems to be that Bancroft asked someone to poison Deane out of fear of his personal demise and there is plenty of evidence to support this theory. It can be assumed that Bancroft probably feared losing his high title, his income, his respect and perhaps his freedom. He was capable of causing Deane's death and certainly had a motive for his death. The only part of the puzzle that's missing is whether or not he actually did it. Although the verdict is not established, it is agreed that Silas Deane's death was strange.