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Howe (SIR WILLIAM an English general)

SIR WILLIAM, an English general; born Aug. 10, 1729. He was a brother of Admiral Richard Howe and successor of General Gage in the command of the British forces in America. His first exploit was the battle of Bunker Hill (1775), in which he lost one-third of his men present in the action. In August, 1776, he gained the battle of Long Island and took New York City.

He obtained an advantage over the Americans at Brandywine in September, September , 1777, in consequence of which Philadelphia was occupied by his army. At his own request he was recalled in 1778, and was succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton.

He died July 12, 1814.