Chapter Eight
continued

by: Stanley L. Klos   Published by ROI.us Corporation

Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved including the rights of reproduction in whole or in part in any form

The council was able only to supply a few additional tents and provisions for St. Clair. The following week the general returned to Morris with his request and eventually obtained a warrant for a month's pay for his detachment. This detachment would end up being utilized to guard Philadelphia and Congress from British maneuvers fainted at the Delaware River.

Washington and the French Allies continued their journey south to engage General Cornwallis. The French troops made a striking display to the citizens as they marched through Philadelphia on the 3rd and 4th of September 1781. As the troops paraded passed Congress and the President the soldiers saluted the Flag as it passed. President McKean chose not to salute instead placing his open hand on his chest as each of the many flags passed his venue. On the 4th McKean wrote to the Comte de Rochambeau to express his gratitude:

I have the honor to express to your Excellency the satisfaction of Congress in the compliment which has been paid to them by the Troops of his most Christian Majesty under your Command.

The brilliant appearance and exact discipline of the several Corps do the highest honor to their Officers, and afford a happy presage of the most distinguished services in a cause which they have so zealously espoused.

The Pennsylvania Gazette reported on September 5th:

On Thursday last arrived in this city, their Excellencies GENERAL WASHINGTON and the COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU, with their respective Suites. They were met and accompanied to town by his Excellency the President of the State, the Financier General, and many other Gentlemen of distinction, together with the Philadelphia troops of horse. Every class of citizens seemed to vie with each other in shewing marks of respect to this ILLUSTRIOUS PAIR of Defenders of the Rights of Mankind.

Thomas McKean wrote to Arthur Lee of Virginia on September 4th:

I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 26th of last month yesterday, and am very sorry for the distresses of Virginia, tho' the ardour and unanimity of the people promise that they will not long continue.

Long ere this I flattered myself that I should have heard of the Count de Grasse and Count de Barras having entered the Chesapeake with thirty-four ships of the line, and several frigates, bomb-ketches & other armed vessels. They sailed for that Bay long ago, with a considerable body of land forces, and a company of sappers and miners, having every apparatus on board for attacking fortifications. This you may depend upon. General Washington, with the whole French Army, and a large detachment of Americans are in full march for your relief; the last division passed thro' this city to day.

Colo. Laurens came to town yesterday from Boston, where he arrived in the French frigate Resolution, (1) accompanied with two others loaded with arms, ammunition & cloathing, on the 25th of August. Besides these important supplies, all for the United States, he has brought with him a large sum in specie, almost equal to our wishes. The Court of France have really exerted themselves far beyond any thing done hereto­fore, and have given full proof how much they have our Independance at heart. In a few weeks more, I trust I shall have it in my power to mention additional evidences of their most faithful attachment: The King has written a very friendly letter to Congress, and presented their special Minister Colo. Laurens with an elegant gold box, having his picture in the lid, ornamented with diamonds &c., nearly resembling the one you had the honor of receiving.

On Saturday last, about one o'clock P.M., Sir Samuel Hood, with 22 ships of the line was seen, about 25 miles Southward of Shrewsbury, steering to the Southward; I sup­pose for Chesepeake. In all probability we shall soon hear of a Sea Engagement. We are at the eve of great events; may God grant them to be prosperous to us, and that they may terminate in securing to us peace, liberty and safety."

By the time Washington reached Head of Elk, Maryland he knew of Admiral de Grasse's arrival in Chesapeake Bay. Washington now rode ahead with General Rochambeau and their officers for Mount Vernon, which he had not seen in six years. Arriving home on September 9th Washington and his entourage remained there for five days planning the siege on Yorktown.

18th Century Journal of the United States in Congress Assembled ordering payment of funds to French General de l' Etombe signed by Thomas McKean as President of the United States in Congress Assembled. - Courtesy of the Author.

On the 13th Count de Grasse wrote to the Hon. the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of France.

"Nothing gave me greater pleasure than the approach of the armies under General Washington and the Count de Rochambeau. In order to hasten their arrival I had selected our seven vessels that drew the least water to transport them from the Mouth of Elk down Chesapeake Bay. But the moment they were ready to sail to execute this service, I was myself obliged to make preparations for repelling the enemy fleet, which appeared off the entrance of the Bay. I have fought them, and their van has been very roughly handled. I returned to the bay on the 10th. In the mean time Count de Barras had arrived, and sent up the transports he had with him to bring down the troops, which induced me not to send up the seven vessels above mentioned; and I had only to add to those sent by Count de Barras as many frigates as I could. My putting to sea facilitated the entrance of M. de Barras, and our junction has added much to our strength. - I fell in with two of the enemy frigates, the Iris and the Richmond, of 32 guns each. They had been sent by the English Admiral to cut away the buoys of our anchors - They have paid dear for them."

Advices from South Carolina inform, that Major General Leslie (who some time since left Virginia in the Carrysfort frigate, and arrived in Wilmington, in North Carolina, from whence he departed in the Blonde frigate, to take the command of the British forces in South Carolina) was lost at sea, the frigate having foundered in a storm, and every soul on board perished.

On the 6th of August last, the noted horse thief and British Colonel McGirsh crossed the Savannah river opposite Turkey Hill, in South Carolina, with 370 men, all mount­ed, with an intent to surprise a Captain Vince, who had with him 22 men, 17 of whom were armed; with which 17 the gallant Vince made a charge on the noted Colonel and his banditti, who were immediately put to the route, with the loss of all their bag­gage, most of their horses and some prisoners taken. The Colonel made his escape by swimming the Savannah river, where several of his party were drowned. The fore­going intelligence may be depended on, as the gentleman who gives it was near the scene of action, and is now in this city.

We hear, by private accounts from New York, that Benedict Arnold is universally con­demned by all ranks of people, for his rash and unnecessary attack upon for Griswold, near New London, by which means the British army has lost a number of valuable officers and soldiers, without contributing, by their lives, any thing towards the reduc­tion of America.

Advice is received from New York, that the enemy have dismantled three forts on the East River, and sent the heavy cannon on board their shipping. Above three thousand troops are encamped on Staten Island.

Admiral Digby is most assuredly arrived off the Hook, with one ship of 90 guns, and two of 74. The reports (from them) say, he left England with six ships of the line, six frigates, and one hundred transports for America; but some advices, the Admiral received at sea, made it necessary for him to come on with three ships, leaving the transports under cover of three ships of the line and six frigates.

On September the 15th Thomas McKean sent this urgent dispatch to George Washington:

The following intelligence, tho' not derived thro' any official or authentic channel, appears to be of sufficient consequence to be communicated to you without delay. I have just now received intelligence that a Brig arrived at New-York on Monday last from England, with Dispatches for Admiral Digby; she sailed nine days after the Admiral. On Tuesday two Frigates came up, who announced the arrival of Admiral Digby on the coast (the number of Men of war not known) with a Fleet consisting of upwards of an hundred Sail, having Troops on Board, the amount not mentioned: these Frigates returned for the Admiral in a few hours. Two dispatch Vessels had arrived from Cornwallis after the appearance of the french Fleet in Chesapeake-Between thiry & forty large Transports lay at New-York on Tuesday ready to sail, and more were getting ready-Sir Henry Clinton is said to be going with them. Their desti­nation unknown but conjectured to be either for Virginia or Delaware Bay. From forty to sixty Negroes are sent on Board these vessels, who are said to belong to persons in Virginia, and are to be returned to their respective Masters by the advice of Lord Cornwallis.

On Sunday Arnold returned to New-York from an Expedition to New-London in Connecticut, leaving his Troops on Board the Transports in Huntington Bay. He has destroyed all the Stores & Shipping at that place, except six vessels that escaped by favor of the wind. The two fortifications there were taken by Assault, and all put to the sword, except eleven men who had hid themselves. After plundering New-London he burnt it, leaving only three or four houses standing. It is said he is going on another Expedition immediately.

The Minister of France will communicate this intelligence to Count de Grasse. An anx­iety to be serviceable induces me to give you this information, tho' the evidence of the truth of it is not quite satisfactory, as I have not a line respecting any part of it from any person officially, not even of the destruction of New-London. General Heath indeed, in a Postcript to his letter of the 5th instant, mentions, that 26 large Ships were seen sailing up the Sound opposite to Stamford on the Sunday preceding, but he had learned nothing more of them.

By the english papers, as well as Rivington's Gazette, Digby's Fleet is said to consist of ten Ships of the line; therefore I do not think they can exceed that number, tho' they may be less. There are three thousand Militia to be forthwith embodyed in this State, and the like number in New Jersey. The requisition of Congress has been already received by the respective governors, and orders are gone out in consequence. Never had we occasion for more wisdom, vigilance and activity. I pray God to preserve your health, and to guide, direct and protect us all in this hour of trial; and am, Sir, with unfeigned respect & esteem, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble Servant, Thos M:Kean

With the September 15th news that de Grasse had returned and de Barras had been able to get out of Newport and reach Chesapeake without encountering the British fleet Washington was well on his way to successful campaign against Cornwallis.

President McKean alerted William Heath September 19. 1781:

"By the advice of Congress I am to inform you that I have just now got private infor­mation, that on Sunday last an embarkation of about five thousand Troops had actu­ally taken place at New York, on board of eighty or ninety transports which were then ready to sail. All the Troops from Long-Island, York-Island & Staten-Island are said to be on board, together with a great number of waggons, horses & light Artillery. Their destination is unknown but supposed to be for the Delaware.

You will be pleased, Sir, to take the necessary precautions upon this intelligence, and to be ready to afford your Assistance as occasion may require."

On that same day Charles Thomson issued the following order to Major General Arthur St. Clair:

"Ordered that Major General St. Clair cause the levies of the Pennsylvania line now in Pennsylvania to rendezvous at or near Philadelphia with all possible exposition."

On September 21. 1781Thomas McKean wrote to George Washington

"Your Excellency will receive inclosed herewith the copy of an Act of Congress of the 18th instant, respecting retaliation for the repeated cruelties exercised and exercising upon the virtuous citizens of America by the Enemy, hitherto unexampled except by

themselves. This Act requires no comment; I wish it may have the desired effect. Last night I received a private account of the junction of the two Fleets under the Count de Barras and Count de Grasse, and that the Ruby of sixty four Guns and the Rainbow of forty four have been captured from the Enemy-I hope it is true. We have not yet heard that Admiral Digby is arrived, nor that Sir Henry Clinton has sailed: The latter I think will be puzzled with regard to his future operations. I do not believe Digby can have more than six Ships of the line, from my perceiving in the British news papers, that Sir Robert Harland was offered the command in Chief on the American Station, and that he refused it, unless furnished with six additional Ships .of the line and four Frigates; as a junior Officer has obtained this command, he would scarce­ly be allowed a greater force.

Lord Cornwallis will, I doubt not, make a vigorous, nay a desperate resistance, not only for the sake of preserving his military character, but with a view to have some chance for relief, or at least to spin out the campaign as much as possible in his reduction, and thereby prevent any thing more being done. The superiority of the French Fleet at present enables them to be very serviceable to us, and they appear disposed to do all they can.

It appearing probable to Congress that General Clinton may make some attempt on this city, they have adopted the most likely measures to defeat his design, by calling on the States of Delaware, Pennsylvania, & New-Jersey for a large body of Militia, and have likewise thought it advisable to detain General St. Clair and the recruits of the Pennsylvania line now in the State, for a few days in the neighborhood of this city.

It is certain that the Spaniards have blockaded & invested Minorca; I wish it had been Jamaica. By late accounts from France it appears, that the negotiation for a general peace will probably take place the ensuing winter but not before ….

P.S. I have just now got certain information of the arrival of Admiral Graves within Sandy Hook yesterday; the Terrible of 74 Guns having sunk at Sea, and five more dis­abled by Count de Grasse."

The British maneuvers had successfully detained Arthur St. Clair's fresh troops in Philadelphia for the defense of Congress whose was determined not to flee to the interior of Pennsylvania. The troops were held there until late September when they were finally dispatched to Yorktown.

Also on the 21st of September President Thomas McKean went on with the political business necessary to govern and notified Michael Hillegas:

Inclosed herewith I have the pleasure to transmit you two Acts of Congress, one of the 11th, the other of the l9th instant, whereby you will perceive you are again elect­ed Treasurer of the United States of America.(1) You were chosen by an unanimous ballot, which is the fullest approbation of your past conduct. I wish you satisfaction in the appointment & all manner of happiness.

In a rather strange twist of fate it is the Department of the United States Treasury that today, on their website, recognizes Michael Hillegas as the first Treasurer of the United States of America while the White House makes no mention of the Presidency of Thomas McKean under the 1st U.S. Constitution.

Washington, Rochambeau, and de Grasse, had already met on the Ville de Paris at Hampton Roads. On September 28, their combined forces are arranged for battle against British General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown. In all, there were approximately 17,000 men converging on Cornwallis' position. The city was soon surrounded and under heavy fire by October the 14th.

19th Century Revolutionary War historian DAVID RAMSAY wrote of this march through Virginia to Yorktown:

In the course of this summer they passed through all the extensive settlements which lie between Newport and York-Town. It seldom, if ever happened before, that an army led through a foreign country, at so great a distance from their own, among a people of different principles, customs, language, and religion, behaved with so much regu­larity. In their march to York-Town they had to pass through 500 miles of a country abounding in fruit, and at a time when the most delicious productions of nature, grow­ing on and near the public highways, presented both opportunity and temptation to gratify their appetites. Yet so complete was their discipline, that in this long march, scarce an instance could be produced of a peach or an apple being taken, without the consent of the inhabitants.

By great fortune the private letters of General Clinton were captured which was explained by Elias Boudinot in the following extract from his wartime reminiscences:

Before the capture & at the first preparation for the seige before Count de Grasse arrived-General Clinton sent a row Boat well manned with a Confidential Officer along the coast, to get into Yorktown with a Letter to Lord Cornwallis, setting forth his situ­ation and the impossibility of his relieving him with a fleet till a certain day and encouraging him to holdout till that period. The boat was driven on shore somewhere near Egg Harbor & the Crew taken & brought to Philadelphia. One of the men dis­covered in private, where they were bound & that the Confidential Letter had been hidden under a certain large Stone on the Shore by the Officers. A person was sent to the Place & brought it to Congress. It was in Cipher and after some trouble it was discovered to be in three different Cyphers. However it was deciphered by a Mr. Lovell, a Member of Congress from Boston, after about two days' labor. The original letter was carefully returned to the Stone or some means used so that it finally got to Lord Cornwallis, but not before Count de Grasse' arrival and having the copy fairly trans­lated. By this means W. was enabled to counteract all their intended measures.

On 14th President McKean communicated the following letter to the Comte de Grasse:

I had the honor to write to your Excellency yesterday, and now can confirm more than the intelligence then communicated. Enclosed herewith you will receive copies of two original letters in Cyphers now in my possession, which have been faithfully decyphered, from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord Cornwallis, respecting the designs of the Enemy. This information has been forwarded to his Excellency General Washington.(1) The British General & Admiral seem to be desperate, and willing to risque all on the intended attempt. If they fail it appears to me that they are disposed to give up the contest for North America.

I pray God to direct your Counsels, and protect you in the hour of battle

P.S. The British Admiral has now 26, if not 29 ships of the line. He had not sailed onThursday the 11th instant, by the best information I can get.

To George Washington on the 14th the President wrote:

My two last letters must, I know from your opinion of my character, have spread the wings of your expectation. My intelligence was true; the inclosed copies of two original letters from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord Cornwallis, which I have in cyphers, and which have been faithfully decyphered by Mr Lovell (whose key I had the honor to forward to you about a fortnight ago) more than prove the fact. I shall make no comment on the letters of Sir Henry, lest I should wade beyond my depth, but I rest assured you will excuse what I think it a duty to add. From comparing all my secret informations together, I firmly believe the British Admiral has now twenty nine ships of the line, and a very respectable number of Frigates; which, with ten fire-Ships, have probably sailed yesterday for the Chesapeake, having on board between five & six thousand Land forces. As to the three additional ships, they are supposed to have come from the West Indies, and are said to have arrived the beginning of last week. Sir Henry expected to be ready to sail on the 5th instant, I am greatly deceived if he sailed before Friday, for I have had faithful Friends to myself, as well as to the cause, who left the Sea-coast yesterday, some distance, 'tis true, from the Hook to the Southward, who know noth­ing of it; and if he had sailed before Friday, I believe they would have known it-These are the Gentlemen who brought me Sir Henry's dispatches. Among the letters (all being carefully inclosed in lead) I have found some, that will enable me to prevent some men of Sussex County in the State I have the honor to represent, from doing us much mischief, and perhaps they may enable me to make further discoveries: they have little relation to your immediate concerns, and therefore I shall not trouble you with the contents, except that intelligence is intended to be conveyed to & from Lord Cornwallis by way of the Tanjier Islands in the Chesapeake near the Eastern shore. I never heard of them before, and not having time to satisfy myself where they lie, must refer it to your enquiry.

It is far from my thoughts to intermeddle in the operations of the campaign, but I know you will pardon me for suggesting to Major General Heath, that after Sir Henry Clinton sails, it is my opinion there will not be above Four thousand land forces left in New-York and it's environs, of whom there cannot be above a thousand regulars, and that therefore it may be adviseable for him to be in readiness to attack it, if he should be so directed by you. Should you, Sir, think this practicable, or adviseable, there will, in less than a fortnight after I shall have information of it, be five thousand militia to co-operate with him. The use that may be made of the three large smoaks, if you shall have succeeded against Lord Cornwallis, will readily suggest itself, to you, and if not, the knowledge of it may prove advantageous.

RAMSAY writes in 1789 of the allied effort:

"The combined forces proceeded on their way to Yorktown, partly by land, and partly down the Chesapeake. The whole, together with a body of Virginia militia, under the command of General Nelson, amounting in the aggregate to 12,000 men, ren­dezvoused at Williamsburg on the 25th of September, and in five days after, moved down to the investiture of Yor-town. The French fleet at the same time moved to the mouth of Yorkriver, and took a position which was calculated to prevent lord Cornwallis, either from retreating, or receiving succour by water. Previously to the march from Williamsburg to Yorktown, Washington gave out in general orders as fol­lows. 'If the enemy should be tempted to meet the army on its march, the General par­ticularly enjoins the troops to place their principal reliance on the bayonet, that they may prove the vanity of the boast, which the British make of their peculiar prowess, in deciding battles with that weapon.'

The combined army halted in the evening, about two miles from Yorktown, and lay on their arms all night. On the next day Colonel Scammell, an officer of uncommon merit, and of the most amiable manners, in approaching the outer works of the British, was mortally wounded and taken prisoner. About this time Earl Cornwallis received a letter from Sir Henry Clinton, announcing the arrival of Admiral Digby with three ships of the line from Europe, and the determination of the General and flag officers in New-York to embark 5000 men in a fleet, which would probably sail on the 5th of October-that this fleet consisted of 23 sail of the line, and that joint exertions of the navy and army would be made for his relief. On the night after the receipt of this intelligence, Earl Cornwallis quitted his outward position, and retired to one more inward.

The works erected for the security of York-town on the right, were redoubts and bat­teries, with a line of stockade in the rear. A marshy ravine lay in front of the right, over which was placed a large redoubt. The morass extended along the center, which was defended by a line of stockade, and by batteries: On the left of the center was a horn-work with a ditch, a row of fraize and an abbatis. Two redoubts were advanced before the left. The combined forces advanced and took possession of the ground from which the British had retired. About this time the legion cavalry and mounted infantry, passed over the river to Gloucester, General de Choisy invested the British post on that side so fully, as to cut off all communication between it and the country. [1781] In the mean time the royal army was straining every nerve to strengthen their works and their artillery was constantly employed in impeding the operations of the combined army. On the 9th and 10th of October, the French and Americans opened their bat­teries. They kept up a brisk and well directed fire from heavy cannon, from mortars and howitzers. The shells of the besiegers reached the ships in the harbour, the Charon of 44 guns and a transport ship were burned. On the 10th a messenger arrived with a dispatch from Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated on the 30th of September, which stated various circumstances tending to lessen the probability of relief being obtained, by a direct movement from New-York. Earl Cornwallis was at this juncture advised to evacuate York-town, and after passing over to Gloucester, to force his way into the country. Whether this movement would have been successful, no one can with certainty pronounce, but it could not have produced any consequences more injurious to the royal interest, than those which resulted from declining the attempt. On the other hand had this movement been made, and the royal army been defeat­ed or captured in the interior country, and in the mean time had Sir Henry Clinton with the promised relief, reached York-town, the precipitancy of the noble Earl, would have been perhaps more the subject of censure, than his resolution of standing his ground and resisting to the last extremity. [OCT. 11] From this uncertain ground of conjectures, I proceed to relate real events. The besiegers commenced their second parallel 200 yards from the works of the besieged. Two redoubts which were advanced on the left of the British, greatly impeded the progress of the combined armies. It was therefore proposed to carry them by storm. To excite a spirit of emulation, the reduc­tion of the one was committed to the French, of the other to the Americans. The assailants marched to the assault with unloaded arms; having passed the abbatis and palisades, they attacked on all sides, and carried the redoubt in a few minutes with the loss of 8 killed and 28 wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Laurens personally took the commanding officer prisoner. [1781] His humanity and that of his associates, so overcame their resentments that they spared the British, though they were charged when they went to the assault, to remember New-London (the recent massacres at which place shall be hereafter related) and to retaliate by putting the men in the redoubt to the sword. Being asked why they had disobeyed orders by bringing them off as prisoners, they answered, "We could not put them to death, when they begged for their lives." About five of the British were killed and the rest were captured. Colonel Hamilton who conducted the enterprise, in his report to the Marquis de la Fayette mentioned to the honour of his detachment, "that incapable of imitating examples of barbarity, and forgetting recent provocations, they spared every man who ceased to resist."

The French were equally successful on their part. They carried the redoubt assigned to them with rapidity, but lost a considerable number of men. These two redoubts were included in the second parallel, and facilitated the subsequent operations of the besiegers. The British could not with propriety risque repeated sallies. [OCT. 16] One was projected at this time consisting of 400 men, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Abercrombie. He proceeded so far as to force two redoubts, and to spike eleven pieces of cannon. Though the officers and soldiers displayed great bravery in this enterprise, yet their success produced no essential advantage. The cannon were soon unspiked and rendered fit for service.

By this time the batteries of the besiegers were covered with nearly a hundred pieces of heavy ordnance, and the works of the besieged were so damaged, that they could scarcely shew a single gun. Lord Cornwallis had now no hope left but from offering terms of capitulation or attempting an escape."

On the evening of October 16, Cornwallis ordered about 1,000 of his troops to attempt an escape across the York River but a sudden storm forced them to abort the retreat to Gloucester. The 17th brought more than 90 guns into the siege. Cornwallis could no longer hold out against such over­whelming odds for reinforcements from General Henry Clinton. Cornwallis finally offered a white flag and sought to negotiate a favorable surrender. The website of the Moore House where the negotiations took place which is now part of the Colonial National Park reports:

"At 10 o'clock on the morning of October 17, 1781, a drummer beating a 'parley,' and a British officer with a flag of truce, mounted a parapet south of Yorktown. The allies saw the signal, and soon the incessant, devastating artillery fire ceased. A hushed still­ness fell over the field.

Lord Cornwallis, realizing the defeat of his army was inevitable, sent a message to

General George Washington: "Sir, I propose a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours, and that two officers may be appointed by each side, to meet at Mr. Moore's house, to settle terms for the sur­render of the posts of York and Gloucester."

Why Cornwallis selected the Moore House for the negotiations was not explained, however, there are a number of possibilities. The Moore House was well outside the line of siege fire, and therefore, not damaged. It was a neutral location, hiding the British situation in town, and possibly selected in the hope of securing better surren­der terms. And finally, it was a convenient location for both sides to reach, as it was situated along the York River.

Washington agreed to only a two hour cease fire for Cornwallis to submit general terms of surrender. Messages continued to pass over the battlefield between the two commanders.

Finally, on the afternoon of October 18, the two British commissioners, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dundas and Major Alexander Ross met in 'Mr. Moore's house' with the allied officers, Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, for the Americans, and Second Colonel Viscount de Noailles (Marquis de Lafayette's brother-in-law), representing the French.

The negotiations ended before midnight, and Laurens carried a rough draft of the articles to General Washington. Washington, however, was not completely happy with the results and made a few minor changes. Once the articles were revised and redraft­ed, a copy was sent to Cornwallis in Yorktown for his signature.

The Articles of Capitulation were terms for the surrender of Cornwallis's British army. The 14 articles directed the surrender from the disposition of the troops, artillery, and arms, to even the surrender ceremony itself.

The articles directed where the troops, now prisoners of war, were to be sent. The sol­diers were marched off to camps in Frederick, Maryland, and Winchester, Virginia. One field officer for every 50 men was allowed to reside near their respective regiments to witness their treatment and deliver clothing and other necessaries to the soldiers at the camps. All other officers were paroled and allowed to go to Europe, New York, or any other American post then in possession of the British forces; on the condition they would no longer fight until properly exchanged.

Another article provided for the care of the sick and wounded prisoners. Proper hos­pitals would be furnished, with patients attended by their surgeons on parole. Medicine and supplies were to be provided by the American hospitals, the British stores in both York and Gloucester, and passports would be issued to procure further supplies from New York if necessary.

The third article referred to the surrender ceremony and contained the provision that deprived the British of the honors war. Customary honors allowed the surrendering troops to march out of their works with their regimental flags flying and playing an enemy's tune in honor of the victor. George Washington was not going to allow these honors, instead he stated, 'The same honors will be granted to the surrendering army as granted to the garrison of Charlestown'. In May, 1780, an American army was cap­tured at Charleston, South Carolina and not given the honors of war, therefore, in retaliation, the British would not be granted them at Yorktown. The troops, the article read, were to '...march out...with shouldered arms, colors cased, and drums beating a British or German march. They are then to ground their arms and return to their encampment, where they will remain until they are dispatched to the places of their destination...'

By the afternoon of October 19th, 1781, both commanders had signed the Articles of Capitulation, and the defeated British army was marching out from Yorktown to lay down their arms, ending the last major battle of the American Revolution.

The British prisoners were equal to about 25% of all the regular British Forces deployed in the 13 United States. This along with the active participation of the French raised fears in England of another war between Britain and France. Upon word of Cornwallis’ surrender to Washington reaching England, Lord North, the British Prime Minister, resigned.

During the negotiations with the British at Yorktown a beleaguered President Thomas McKean, knowing victory was assured, dispatched George Washington good news about the British fleet and his intention to resign the U.S. Presidency:

Your Excellency's letter of the 6th instant came to hand on the 16th and was read in Congress.(1) I have very little intelligence besides what is contained in General Heath's letter of the 9th, a copy of which you have inclosed herewith, and the letter from Colonel Silvanus Seely, which is now forwarded, together with one for Colonel Ogden. The British Fleet had not sailed on Monday, and it is believed they will not be fully ready until Sunday next.

As Chief Justice of this State I shall be under a necessity of attending the Supreme Court next week; besides my health requires a ride into the country, and my mind some relaxation: I shall therefore resign the chair of Congress. If you should after the receipt of this honor me with any private communications, I must request you would not direct to the President of Congress. I am, Sir, with the most perfect esteem, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble Servant, Tho M:Kean.

The October 23, 1781 Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled report:

The secretary laid before Congress a letter from the President in the words following: Whereupon, Sir: I must beg you to remind Congress, that when they did me the honor of electing me President, and before I assumed the Chair, I informed them, that as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, I should be under the necessity of attending the Supreme Court of that State, the latter end of September, or at farthest in October. That court will be held to-day; I must therefore request, that they will be pleased to proceed to the choice of another President.

I am, sir, with much respect, your most obedient humble servant,

Thos. McKean.

The resignation was at first accepted with the vote for a new President being postponed until the following day. Congress decided not to elect a new President on the 23rd. Instead the Delegates required McKean to continue his service as President until a new Congress convened in November.

On October 24th President Thomas McKean received news of the Victory at Yorktown and the entire congress unanimously resolved to adjourn and GO TO CHURCH to

"… return thanks to Almighty God … .

The Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled reported:

"A letter, of 19, from General Washington, was read, giving information of the reduc­tion of the British army under the command of the Earl of Cornwallis, on the 19th instant with a copy of the articles of capitulation; Whereupon, On motion of Mr. [Edmund] Randolph, seconded by

Resolved, That Congress will, at two o'clock this day, go in procession to the Dutch Lutheran church, and return thanks to Almighty God, for crowning the allied arms of the United States and France, with success, by the surrender of the whole British army under the command of the Earl of Cornwallis.

Ordered, That the letter, with the papers enclosed, be referred to the Committee of
Intelligence.

Resolved, That the letter of General Washington, of the 19, enclosing the correspond dence between him and the Earl Cornwallis, concerning the surrender of the garrisons of York and Gloucester, and the articles of capitulation, be referred to a committee of four: the members, Mr. [Edmund] Randolph, Mr. [Elias] Boudinot, Mr. [James Mitchell] Varnum, Mr. [Daniel] Carroll.

Resolved, That it be an instruction to the saidcommittee, to report what in their opin­ion, will be the most proper mode of communicating the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, to General Washington, Count de Rochambeau and Count de Grasse, for their effectual exertions in accomplishing this illustrious work; and of paying respect to the merit of Lieutenant Colonel Tilghman, aid-de-camp of General Washington, and the bearer of his despatches announcing this happy event:

Ordered, That the secretary of foreign affairs communicate this intelligence to the hon. the Minister Plenipotentiary of France.

Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.

The unamious adjournment of the United States in Congress Assembled and it executive commit­tees for the purpose of religious worship is a fact that has either been emitted entirely or grossly understated by Revolutionary War historians. To find any reference to this resolution and the resulting action in any primary or secondary education textbook is a virtual impossibility. The reli­gious services held at the Dutch Lutheran Church and conducted by Chaplain George Duffield.

Two days later the United States in Congressed Assembled under the leadership and partial authorship of President McKean issued the following:

PROCLAMATION

Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, the supreme Disposer of all Events father of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United States of America in their important struggle for liberty, against the long continued efforts of a powerful nation: it is the duty of all ranks to observe and thankfully acknowledge the interpositions of his Providence in their behalf. Through the whole of the contest, from its first rise to this time, the influence of divine Providence may be clearly perceived in many signal instances, of which we mention but a few.

In revealing the councils of our enemies, when the discoveries were seasonable and impor­tant, and the means seemingly inadequate or fortuitous; in preserving and even improving the union of the several states, on the breach of which our enemies placed their greatest dependence; in increasing the number, and adding to the zeal and attachment of the friends of Liberty; in granting remarkable deliverances, and blessing us with the most signal success, when affairs seemed to have the most discouraging appearance; in raising up for us a powerful and generous ally, in one of the first of the European powers; in confounding the councils of our enemies, and suffering them to pursue such measures as have most directly contributed to frustrate their own desires and expectations; above all, in making their extreme cruelty of their officers and soldiers to the inhabitants of these states, when in their power, and their savage devastation of property, the very means of cementing our union, and adding vigor to every effort in opposition to them. And as we cannot help leading the good people of these states to a retrospect on the events which have taken place since the beginning of the war, so we beg recommend in a particular manner that they may observe and acknowledge to their observation, the good­ness of God in the year now drawing to a conclusion: in which A mutiny in the American Army was not only happily appeased but became in its issue a pleasing and undeniable proof of the unalterable attachment of the people in general to the cause of liberty since great and real grievances only made them tumultuously seek redress while the abhorred the thoughts of going over to the enemy, in which the Confederation of the United States has been completed by the accession of all without exception in which there have been so many instances of prowess and success in our armies; particularly in the southern states, where, notwithstanding the difficulties with which they had to struggle, they have recovered the whole country which the enemy had overrun, leaving them only a post or two upon on or near the sea: in which we have been so pow­erfully and effectually assisted by our allies, while in all the conjunct operations the most perfect union and harmony has subsisted in the allied army: in which there has been so plentiful a harvest, and so great abundance of the fruits of the earth of every kind, as not only enables us easily to supply the wants of the army, but gives comfort and happiness to the whole people: and in which, after the success of our allies by sea, a General of the first Rank, with his whole army, has been captured by the allied forces under the direction of our illustrious Commander in Chief.

It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart the 13th day of December next, to be religiously observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer; that all the people may assemble on that day, with grateful hearts, to celebrate the praises of our gracious Benefactor; to confess our manifold sins; to offer up our most fervent supplications to the God of all grace, that it may please Him to pardon our offences, and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his laws; to comfort and relieve all our brethren who are in distress or captivity; to prosper our husbandmen, and give success to all engaged in lawful com­merce; to impart wisdom and integrity to our counsellors, judgment and fortitude to our offi­cers and soldiers; to protect and prosper our illustrious ally, and favor our united exertions for the speedy establishment of a safe, honorable and lasting peace; to bless all seminaries of learning; and cause the knowledge of God to cover the earth, as the waters cover the seas.

By Order of the United States in Congress Assembled

Thomas McKean, President"

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