For Lord Howe she entertained a warm affection, which he requited with a kindred feeling.
All was excitement in Albany now.

General Abercromby was on the way to take the command of the forces; but Lord Howe was to have a position of considerable importance, and it was whispered by those who knew what went on behind the scenes that it was to his skill and courage and military prowess that Pitt really looked.

He received private dispatches by special messengers, and his bright young face was full of purpose and lofty courage.
The Massachusetts levies began to assemble, and Howe took the raw lads in hand, and began to drill them with a wonderful success.

But it was no play work to be under such a commander.

They had come for once rather well provided with clothing and baggage; but Howe laughed aloud at the thought of soldiers encumbering themselves with more impedimenta than was actually needful.
The long, heavy-skirted coats which the soldiers wore, both regulars and provincials, excited his ridicule, as did also the long hair plaited into a queue behind and tied with ribbons.
His own hair he had long since cut short to his head--a fashion speedily imitated by officers and men alike, who all adored him.