We first
meet Peter Howard in the South Carolina Assembly where he speaks out in support
of Colonel
Harry Burwell's request that the state join in the fight for independence.
As he speaks, he tells of losing part of his leg and much of his hearing while
fighting for the British during the French and Indian War. After the assembly
meeting, Gabriel
speaks with Anne
Howard, who turns out to be Peter's daughter.
As Gabriel begins courting Anne, Peter Howard doesn't show any worry or disapproval
of Gabriel. His hearing problem allows a couple of ribald jokes out of place
for the time and characters, but humorous to a modern audience. He shows his
support for the Patriot cause by providing supplies to Benjamin
Martin's militia. He is killed along with his wife,
daughter and many of the townpeople of Pembroke when Colonel
William Tavington orders the church burned with them inside.
