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Early report on the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, and so much more...
Early report on the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, and so much more...
Item # 687095
November 06, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 6, 1781 Certainly the most notable content is an early report of the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
The page 2 report notes in part: "The General is happy in congratulating this army on the following authentic & interesting intelligence, received from the southward. That on the 15th instant two of the enemy's redoubts at York-Town were stormed...and carried with very little loss. These redoubts gave the allied army...the command of the other works of the enemy, who on the 17th beat a parley and on the 19th Earl Cornwallis with his army surrendered to the allied army under the command of his Excellency General Washington. 3500 regular troops laid down their arms...This signal victory...tends also to the accomplishment of the American warfare, the establishment of her independence, peace and happiness..." with a bit more.
Additionally, page 3 has a report from Poughkeepsie noting; "Yesterday the account of the surrender of the British army, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, was received here...? with more. And also a letter from Count de Grasse: "I have prayed General Washington to return my troops, which it is probable he has no further occasion for; Lord Cornwallis being already captured, or which news no doubt you have been informed...".
Then: "The following contains the substance of the Articles of Capitulation between his Excellency General Washington and Lord Cornwallis. A cessation of hostilities took place in consequence of the following letter." It is datelined: "York, (Virginia) 17th Oct. 1781" and notes: "I PROPOSE a cessation of hostilities for 24 hours and that two officers be appointed by each side to meet at Mr. Morris's house, to settle terms for the surrender of the forts of York and Glocester." signed in type: Cornwallis.
Following this is a report that: "His Excellency General Washington granted a cessation of two hours...", and further on: "Commissioners were appointed and articles of Capitulation settled and compleat the 18th. The most material are in substance as follows:" and what followed is a list of the 14 principal Articles for the surrender.
As if this content is not sufficient for one issue, page 2 includes a reflection upon the recent Battle of Eutaw Springs which was the last major battle in the South of the Revolutionary War & ended the British domination in that theater of war. One bit includes: "...General Greene who is one of the bravest & best soldiers himself, is highly satisfied with the behavior of the troops in general...".
Page 2 also has an introductory letter signed by: Nath. Greene, concerning General Marion's expedition in the South. What follows is a lengthy letter signed by: Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox", concerning his work surrounding the Battle of Eutaw Springs and his rescue of a small American force trapped by 500 British soldiers.
Also notable is a report of Col. Willett and his actions that led the militia against a force under the command of Major John Ross at the Battle of Johnstown¸ one of the last battles in the northern theatre of the Revolutionary War. Local American forces, led by Colonel Marinus Willett of Johnstown, ultimately put to flight the British forces under the command of Major John Ross.
One bit notes: "...He went the next morning in pursuit of the enemy. The GLORIOUS VICTORY was observed last evening...with exuberant joy & festivity...At Newburgh, the occasion was observed in the same joyous manner, & to enliven the entertainment they hanged & burnt the traitor Arnold in effigy..." with more.
Four pages, great condition. Note in the photos that a portion of the report has a minor printing crease which causes no loss of text or readability.
Category: Revolutionary War
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