Career
He is best known for resigning his commission in protest against the war against the American colonies. This widely reported act was commemorated by the American colonists in the naming of a galley in 1775, and later the frigate United States Ship Effingham in 1777 - as well as in the naming of Effingham, New Hampshire, Effingham County, Georgia and Effingham County, Illinois. During the events leading up to the American Revolution, the Earl was neither a Patriot or a Loyalist, he was a Neutralist.
He was not on either side.
The Earl of Effingham disliked both sides: the royal government for taxing, and the colonists for rebelling. Howard believed that the conflicts had a negative impact on Great Britain and the colonies.
He was devoted to his King and country, and was willing to lose his life while protecting the realm from attack.