William Howe

William Howe (1729-1814), British commander in chief in North America (1775-78) during the early years of the American Revolution. William Howe, 5^th Viscount Howe, was born in London. He entered the army in 1746 and gained distinction as one of the most brilliant junior officers in the service. In 1775 he was second in command under General Thomas Gage in Boston and commanded British troops in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Later in that year he succeeded Gage as commander in chief. In 1776 he defeated the Americans on Long Island, took the city of New York, and won the battles of White Plains and Brandywine. During the winter of 1777-78, when George Washington had set up quarters at Valley Forge, Howe stayed in Philadelphia with his troops. He was severely criticized for this inactivity, and in the spring of 1778 he resigned and returned to Britain, claiming that he had not received sufficient support from the home government. Four years later he was commissioned lieutenant general of ordnance and in 1793 was made a full general. He was a member of Parliament (1758-80), retaining his seat while in North America.