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On Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown...
On Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown...
Item # 576119
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November 22, 1781
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Nov. 22, 1781 A very significant newspaper from the end of the Revolutionary War, with various items relating to the Cornwallis surrender to Washington at Yorktown.
The entire front page is taken up with three letters each signed in type by: G. Washington, with dates from the "camp before York" of October 1, October 12, and October 16 in which he states his situation in closing in on Cornwallis. The letter of Oct. 12 includes: "...We last night advanced our second parallel within 300 yards of the enemy's works with little or no annoyance from them...I shall think it strange indeed if Lord Cornwallis makes no vigorous exertions in the course of this night or very soon after..." with much more (see).
Also on the ftpg. & concluding on the back page is a letter from "camp before York" dated October 16 signed in type by: La Fayette, noting his situation & involvement in the campaign against Cornwallis. Note that Cornwallis would surrender just 3 days later on October 19.
Page 2 has nearly a full column "Proclamation" by the President of Congress dated October 26, which begins: "Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of mercies, remarkably to assist & support the United States of America in their important struggles for liberty against the long continued efforts of a powerful nation...thankfully acknowledge the interposition of his Providence in their behalf..." with much more, and calling for a day of thanksgiving and prayer (see).
Most of page 3 and part of page 4 are taken up with the lengthy: "...returns of prisoners, artillery, arms, ordnance and other stores, surrendered by the enemy in their posts of York and Gloucester on the 19th instant..." from General Washington, essentially being a tally of who & what was surrendered to Washington at Yorktown (see for portions).
Also of interest is a quite rare, lengthy letter signed in type by A.Hamilton, then Lieut-Col. in the army, giving his account of his action at the came before Yorktown on October 15, just before the Cornwallis surrender. Letters from Alexander Hamilton from during the Revolutionary War are quite rare (see for portions).
A terrific issue with much great content. Complete in four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some light foxing at portions of folds, very nice condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
No Longer Available
