To narrate Howe’s share in the operations by which New York in 1776, and Philadelphia in 1777, fell into the hands of the British, would be only to repeat well-known historical episodes, enlivened by few or no incidents personal to himself.  In them the navy played a part at once subordinate and indispensable, as is the office of a foundation to its superstructure.  The cause of the Americans was hopeless as long as their waters remained in the undisputed control of the enemy’s ships; and it was the attempt of Great Britain to cast aside this essential support, and to rely upon the army alone in a wild and intricate country, that led to her first great disaster,—­Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga.  Upon this, France at once recognized the independence of the colonies, and their alliance with that kingdom followed.  A French fleet of twelve ships-of-the-line under the Count D’Estaing, left Toulon April 15, 1778, for the American coast.  This force far exceeded Howe’s; and it was no thanks to the British Government, but only to the admiral’s sleepless vigilance and activity, seconded, as such qualities are apt to be, by at least an average degree of supineness on the part of his antagonist, that his scanty squadron was not surprised and overpowered in Delaware Bay, when Sir Henry Clinton evacuated Philadelphia to retreat upon New York.  Howe, who had the defects of his qualities, whose deliberate and almost stolid exterior evinced a phlegmatic composure of spirit which required the spur of imminent emergency to rouse it into vehement action, never in his long career appeared to greater advantage, nor achieved military results more truly brilliant, than at this time, and up to the abandonment of the attack on Rhode Island by the Americans under Sullivan, three months later.  Then only, if ever, did he rise above the level of an accomplished and resolute general officer, and establish a claim to genius, of that order, however, which is not originative in character, but signalized by an infinite capacity for taking pains; and that not for a short time merely, but through a long, protracted period of strain.  The display, nevertheless, does not assure him a place in the front rank of great commanders, whose actions find their source in the living impulse of their own creative energy; for it is elicited by extreme circumstances alone, by obvious pressure, to which he must adapt himself.  This he does with unfailing adequacy, indeed; resolutely checkmating, but never initiating.  Steady as a rock, like a rock, also, Howe only gave forth sparks under blows that would have broken weaker men.