BY K.P. SANDER
The Surrender of Cornwallis (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)
Although the Revolutionary War officially ended in 1782, the last battle came to pass with surrender on Oct. 19, 1781, 233 years ago.
The Battle of Yorktown, which began on Oct. 6 of that year, when British General, Charles Cornwallis, moved his troops to Virginia to take over the command from loyalist, General Benedict Arnold. He found the troops low on reinforcements and supplies.
At the same time, General George Washington was moving to attack New York with the help of the French – who were convinced to help by Benjamin Franklin. Cornwallis was ordered to bring all 7,500 of his troops to New York, but he did not obey, staying in Yorktown (now Williamsburg, VA).
On Oct. 6, General Washington’s Continental Army attacked Cornwallis with over 16,000 men, including the French, and the American colonists and militia. The Continental Army persevered, and then on Oct. 17, the British sent a fleet from New York to assist Cornwallis, but it was too late. The British were outnumbered and out of supplies and food.
A letter was delivered to Cornwallis from General Washington, stating that he wanted to stop the “useless effusion of blood.” Realizing there was no hope for his troops, Cornwallis replied with this letter:
York in Virginia, 17th October 1781, 1/2 Past 4 P.M.
Sir,
I have this moment been honoured with your Excellency’s letter dated this day.
The time limited for sending my answer will not admit of entering into the detail of Articles, but the basis of my proposals will be that the Garrisons of York and Gloucester shall be prisoners of War with the customary honours, and for the convenience of the individuals which I have the honour to command, that the British shall be sent to Britain and the Germans to Germany, under engagement not to serve against France, America or their Allies untill released or regularly exchanged, that all Arms and publick stores shall be delivered up to you, but that the usual indulgence of side arms to Officers and of retaining private property shall be granted to Officers & Soldiers, and that the interests of several individuals in Civil Capacities & connected with us, shall be attended to. If Your Excellency thinks that a continuance of the suspension of hostilities will be necessary to transmit your answer I shall have no objection to the hour that you propose. I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient & most humble servant,
Cornwallis
