WI: Howes and Carleton(Quebec) captured in American Revolutionary War?

[GuyCarleton]

I'm trying to write an alternate history for what I believe to be quite an interesting time in history, ripe for Alternate Timelines in general. As you may have guessed from the topic and name, I am speaking of the American Revolutionary War. It has Balkanization, British Empires, American Empires, and can result in all kinds of wacky things like French Mexico.

I digress.

I've run into a MASSIVE block, for you see the timeline runs on Carleton being captured at Montreal. This leads to Washington being sure about his troops and starting the Assault on Dorchester Heights about a week earlier or so.

THIS results in Howes, Commander of the North American Forces failing to retake Dorchester Heights.

THIS results in Howes being trapped by the snowstorm that originally stopped his counterattack and forces his surrender.

With the removal of Carleton and Howes, how would the American Revolutionary War change? Who would the job of Commander-in-Chief go to?

[danwild6]

I believe Gen Clinton would be the senior army officer but Lord Howe(General Howe's brother) would remain as supreme commander.

[GuyCarleton]

Originally Posted by danwild6

I believe Gen Clinton would be the senior army officer but Lord Howe(General Howe's brother) would remain as supreme commander.

Would Lord Howes keep his job after such a devastating defeat? If Howes was forced to surrender, it would be on the same levels as Saratoga or Yorktown.

[danwild6]

Lord Howe wasn't there I believe as he was only appoint to command in February of 1776.

[GuyCarleton]

Originally Posted by danwild6

Lord Howe wasn't there I believe as he was only appoint to command in February of 1776.

I thought he was given the job in September of 1775.