William Howe

William Howe. , British Commander , General William Howe was the second commander in chief of the British amed forces in America during the Revolutionary War. Born into a British noble family, Howe was one of four brothers with distinguished military careers. In 1746, the 17-year-old Howe joined the British Army. His military service in North America during the French and Indian War did much to establish his reputation. He was promoted to major and commanded forces at the Siege of Louisbourg and the Siege of Quebec. Howe returned to England after Britain's victory and was elected to the House of Commons in Parliament., In 1772, Howe was promoted to major general and was considered one of England's best officers. Despite Howe's disapproval of British tax policies toward the American colonists, he answered the call when King George III asked him to sail to America in March 1775 to quash the rebellion and assist General Thomas Gage in Boston. Howe arrived in time to lead troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill and quickly replaced Gage at the commander in chief of the British land forces in North America., After the Siege of Boston came to an end, Howe made plans to capture New York City, reinforced by his brother Richard's naval forces. The Howe brothers were originally assigned as peace commissioners, but their attempts at reconciliation with the American colonists were unsuccessful. Howe took Long Island and New York City, which remained in British control for the rest of the war. Howe was knighted by the king for his victory in the Battle of Long Island., For the next few years, Howe pursuied Washington's Continental Army, winning several battles and ultimately capturing the city of Philadelphia. His occupation of the city, during which he lived here at the President's House, left him unwilling or unable to assist General Burgoyne in upstate New York. As a result, the Americans won the Battle of Saratoga, and Howe resigned from his command in late October 1777. General Henry Clinton succeeded him as commander of the British armies in North America, and Howe returned to England in 1778. During the French Revolution, he defended the British Isles from potential attack. When his brother Richard died in 1799, Howe became the 5th Viscount Howe and remained so until his death in 1814., [Caption:] , Engraving of General Howe by John Goldar, published in 1786. Courtesy of Library of Congress.