<Ul> <Li> Boston campaign </Li> <Li> New York and New Jersey campaign </Li> <Li> Philadelphia campaign </Li> </Ul> <Li> New York and New Jersey campaign </Li> <P> General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, KB, PC (10 August 1729--12 July 1814) was a British Army officer who rose to become Commander - in - Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence . Howe was one of three brothers who had distinguished military careers . </P> <P> Having joined the army in 1746, Howe saw extensive service in the War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years' War . He became known for his role in the capture of Quebec in 1759 when he led a British force to capture the cliffs at Anse - au - Foulon, allowing James Wolfe to land his army and engage the French in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham . Howe also participated in the campaigns to take Louisbourg, Belle Île and Havana . He was appointed Lieutenant - Governor of the Isle of Wight, a post he would hold until 1795 . </P>

Who was the commander of the british forces in boston