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On the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, with an eye-witness account...
On the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, with an eye-witness account...
Item # 609649
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November 13, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 13, 1781 Page 2 has a report of a piracy. Another item notes: "...that the rebel general Sumpter had taken Augusta but had evacuated it again upon hearing that lord Rawdon had been joined by a reinforcement from England; and that general Greene had raised the siege of Ninety-Six, and had retreated; but that great part of his baggage had been cut off." Another item notes that reinforcements to Quebec have made it: "...one of the strongest fortifyed places in all North America." Also: "Lord Cornwallis was joined on the 21st of May by 2500 men under colonel Johnston...".
A very notable report from Boston has: "Upon the reception of the important intelligence of the capture of Cornwallis, a salute was discharged before his excellency's seat, the bells were set to ringing..." & other celebrations. "We doubt not the breast of eveyr true American is warmed with gratitude towards our illustrious general, the commander in chief of the allied army, and all the officers & soldiers under his command at the time of this great event. This capital stroke will more fully establish the independence of these states in the eyes of all Europe..." with more (see).
But the most significant content would be the: "Extract From General Orders, York Town, October 20, 1781" in which Washington congratulates his follow officers and soldiers for their role in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown just the day prior, October 19. The Order begins: "The general congratulates the army upon the glorious event of yesterday..." (see for the full text).
Also, the top of page 3 has: "Yesterday (an account) of the surrender of the British army under the command of Lord Cornwallis was received here..." with more. Then a report from "Fishkill" and a letter from Albany, both with war-related news (see). Then: "A Letter from an Officer of Rank in the Jersey Line. Camp at York Town, October 21, 1781" which is a great account of the surrender, bits including: "Permit me to congratulate you on the success of the allied arms, the fall of the boast of Britain! the flower of its army...The allied army was drawn up in two straight lines, facing each other, leaving a space for the British column to pass. The commander in chief with his suite on the right of the American line; the count de Rochambeau opposite, on the left of the French. Lord Cornwallis pleading indisposition, the British were led by general O'Hara, conducted by general Lincoln. their colours cased, and they not allowed to beat a French or American march. The British officers in general behaved like boys who had been whipped at school; some bit their lips, some pouted, others cried..." with more (see). Terrific to have an eye-witness account of the surrender ceremonies.
The focus of the back page is: "By the UNITED STATES In Congress Assembled, PROCLAMATION" for a day of thanksgiving for the victory over the British (see).
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minor paper-making flaw at the right margin does not touch any text. Portions of 2 accounts on page 3 are lightly-inked (see) which affect some words (not the eye-witness account), otherwise in very nice, clean condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
No Longer Available
