Word: commandant
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Washington's basic plan was established last winter by his British-trained second in command, gaunt, hot-tempered Major General Charles Lee. Before going south to take command in Charles Town, South Carolina, Lee studied New York. His conclusions: since the two best military plans (burning the city or simply abandoning it to Howe) were both politically and morally objectionable, the only way open was a defense that would show the flag and yet make the British pay heavily for taking the city. He persuaded Washington to 1) keep most of his troops dispersed around New York...
...North America from 1758 to 1761 as a young officer, eventually leading his brigade up the cliffs at Quebec to help Wolfe defeat Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham. Less than two years ago, as a Member of Parliament from Nottingham, he told his constituents that if offered a command in any war against the Colonies, he would refuse to serve...
...only through high connections but through high competence. The Howes were born into a rich, powerful, aristocratic Hertfordshire family. Both went to Eton. As a 16-year-old midshipman, Richard sailed with Admiral George Anson on his arduous, aborted voyage around the world. Thereafter he rose rapidly from command to command, becoming treasurer of the Navy in 1765 and a rear admiral five years later. Responsible, serious to the point of tediousness, heavy-browed and large-nosed, he is known in the Navy as "Black Dick" Howe, partly because his face has darkened from 30 years of quarter-deck weather...
Together the Howe brothers command one of the largest military and naval forces assembled in this century. They have many choices?and almost complete discretion?about how to employ it. Both Howes are justly famous for being concerned about the welfare of their men. Sir William, for instance, was reportedly shocked by the high number of British casualties during the frontal assault on Bunker hill, which he led last summer. He is known to subscribe to the new European doctrine that pitched battles are less important than tactical maneuvering in winning wars. Continental officers were nevertheless astonished when Howe...
Another clue to the Howe brothers' intentions may lie in reports from London that Admiral Howe agreed to accept his command only with the understanding that he would have the right to act as a Royal Commissioner in attempting to work out a reconciliation with the Colonies. Although no details are known, military sources in London believe that Howe hopes to persuade the Continental Army to lay down its arms in exchange for new negotiations. If so, he has very little chance of succcess...