Horatio Gates' long toast

A commemoration of colonial drunks, or what?

"At that time occurred that episode in our history known as the "Conway Cabal"- a conspiracy to ruin the reputation of Washington, and to make Gates the commander-in-chief of the armies, of which intimations have been given in this work from time to time. The conspirators labored in secret, by means of forged and anonymous letters, and slanderous reports, to weaken the public confidence in Washington as a leader. Failing to effect their object by these means (for he was every day rising higher and higher in public esteem), it was determined to abridge his influence and extend that of Gates, by creating a new Board of War, with the latter officer as president. This was effected late in November, 1777.
... Hoping to detach Lafayette from Washington, they appointed him commander-in-chief of the expedition. The marquis, who was aware of the intrigues, asked Washington's advice in the matter. The chief said it was an honorable position, and advised him to accept the commission. Lafayette went to the Congress, sitting at York, to obtain it, and there he met Gates, Mifflin and other members of the Boards of War, at the table. Wine circulated freely, and toasts were offered. At length the marquis, thinking it the time to show his colors, arose and said: "Gentleman, one toast, I perceive, has been omitted, which I will now propose." They filled their glasses, when he gave: "the commander-in-chief of the American armies." - From "Our Country" by Benson J. Lossing, 1877

Lafayette's famous toast to Washington "sent a signal to conspirators that the French would not support a plot to replace Washington with Gates." And if you go to York today, you can see Lafayette there - still toasting. See here for info on visiting the Gates House.