General William Howe

Major General Howe arrived in Boston on the 15th of May, 1775 with 4,000 additional troops.  The British objective was to end the Americans' siege of Boston. 

Leading the left wing of the attack on Breed’s Hill, Howe was surprised at the Americans' resolve.  His report to Lord Germain, following the battle, called for 19,000 additional troops.  He predicted that "...with a less force...this war may be spun out until England will be heartily sick of it."

Credits

Mezzotint, likely by Richard Purcell. Published by John Morris, London, Rathbone Place, November 10, 1777.

Library of Congress.