Dictionary.net

(1729-1814), served under General Wolfe at Quebec in 1759. In 1775 he succeeded General Gage as commander-in-chief of the British forces in America. He commanded the British troops at Bunker Hill. In conjunction with his brother, Richard, he defeated the colonial armies at Long Island and at White Plains in 1776, and captured Forts Washington and Lee. He defeated Washington at Brandywine in 1777, and entered Philadelphia. After repulsing the American attack at Germantown he went into winter quarters in Philadelphia, and was accused of spending his time in the pursuit of pleasure. He was removed from command in 1778, and superseded by Sir Henry Clinton. He was a well-educated general and a favorite with his officers, but unsuccessful in strategy and incapable of managing a large army. He is described by General Henry Lee as "the most indolent of mortals, who never took pains to examine the merits or demerits of a cause in which he was engaged."