Yorktown And The Siege Of 1781 - free ebook by Charles E. Hatch

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Yorktown And The Siege Of 1781

Charles E. Hatch

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YORKTOWN and the Siege of 1781

YORKTOWN and the Siege of 1781

by Charles E. Hatch, Jr. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES No. 14 Washington, D. C., 1954 (Revised 1957) The National Park System, of which Colonial National Historical Park is a unit, is dedicated to conserving the scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the benefit and inspiration of its people. The reconstructed Grand French Battery—a strong link in the First Allied Siege Line. On the level fields outside the small colonial village of Yorktown occurre

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BATTLE OF GREEN SPRING.

BATTLE OF GREEN SPRING.

On July 4, Cornwallis broke camp at Williamsburg and moved toward Jamestown Island, the most convenient point for crossing the James. He sent some troops immediately across the river, but ordered the bulk of the army to encamp on the “Main” a little beyond Glasshouse Point, within sight of Jamestown, as a precaution in the event Lafayette should attempt to hinder the crossing. Cornwallis was right—Lafayette did intend to strike the British at this unfavorable moment. On July 6, Wayne, commanding

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THE BRITISH MOVE TO YORKTOWN.

THE BRITISH MOVE TO YORKTOWN.

Following the action at Green Spring, Cornwallis continued his move across the James River, and, on July 17, he was able to report by letter to Clinton that the troops which the latter had requested were about ready to sail from Portsmouth. Three days later, Cornwallis learned that all plans had been drastically changed. Clinton now instructed him to hold all of his troops and await further orders. More detailed instructions reached Cornwallis on July 21, including strong words about the necessi

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STRATEGY OF THE SIEGE.

STRATEGY OF THE SIEGE.

As the year 1781 opened, Clinton continued to hold New York with a strong force of about 10,000. Washington’s force opposing him numbered some 3,500. American leaders saw that recruiting was poor and supplies were low. The whole civilian system on which the army depended had proved loose and difficult, and apathy had come with a long period of inactivity. As the year progressed, change was in the air. There was thought of action and a plan. The commander in chief continued to be troubled, howeve

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BATTLE OF THE VIRGINIA CAPES.

BATTLE OF THE VIRGINIA CAPES.

The Count de Grasse left Cape Français, on the northern coast of Haiti in the West Indies, for the Atlantic coast and Chesapeake Bay on August 5. He had reached the West Indies in April, after a 38 days’ crossing of the Atlantic from Brest, France. There had been some contact with the sizeable British fleet under Rear Adm. Sir Samuel Hood who, with his superior in this theater, Sir George Rodney, did not seem willing to bring on a general action at this time. De Grasse had moved on against Tobag

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ASSEMBLY OF THE ALLIED ARMIES.

ASSEMBLY OF THE ALLIED ARMIES.

On September 7, Lafayette moved his force from the Pamunkey River to Williamsburg where he could at least temporarily block any movement that Cornwallis might make up the peninsula. His army was substantially enlarged the next day by the more than 3,000 troops under St. Simon, who had arrived with De Grasse and landed at Jamestown. On September 14, Washington arrived at Lafayette’s headquarters in Williamsburg for a “joyful reunion” with the young French general and to assume direct command of t

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INVESTMENT OF YORKTOWN.

INVESTMENT OF YORKTOWN.

On September 27 all was in readiness for the movement of the allied armies against the British position at Yorktown and an “Order of Battle” was drawn up. At 5 o’clock in the morning of September 28 the French and American units, on instruction from Washington, their commander in chief, began to move toward Yorktown. The Continentals, followed by the French troops, formed the left column and the militia, the right. The route lay over the principal highways down the peninsula. At the “Halfway Hou

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BRITISH POSITION.

BRITISH POSITION.

When the British entered Yorktown in August 1781, the town, one of the most important in the lower Chesapeake region, was described by one of the soldiers as: This Yorktown, or Little-York, is a small city of approximately 300 houses; it has, moreover, considerable circumference. It is located on the bank of the York River, somewhat high on a sandy but level ground. It has 3 churches, 2 reformed English and 1 German Lutheran, but without steeples, and 2 Quaker meeting houses, and a beautiful cou

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OPENING OF THE SIEGE.

OPENING OF THE SIEGE.

Washington wrote of the morning of September 30: “... we discovered, that the Enemy had evacuated all their Exterior Line of Works, and withdrawn themselves to those near the body of the Town. By this Means we are in possession of very advantageous Grounds, which command, in a very near Advance, almost the whole remaining line of their Defence.” Even before Washington had written, American and French units had moved into these works. Within the day, the construction of an additional redoubt and

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GLOUCESTER SIDE.

GLOUCESTER SIDE.

Even though Washington was directing his principal force against Yorktown where the main British force was located, it was necessary that he take measures to contain the enemy post at Gloucester Point on the north side of the river. This would close a possible means of escape for Cornwallis and halt the heavy foraging parties that were sweeping the Gloucester countryside. The first allied force here was 1,500 militia under Brig. Gen. George Weedon. By September 28, Weedon had been reinforced by

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FIRST ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

FIRST ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

By the evening of October 6 all was in readiness for the opening of the First Allied Siege Line—a series of positions which, together with terrain advantages, completely encircled the British works and brought men and artillery within firing range of the enemy. The first line was based on the York River southeast of Yorktown and extended westward just above the headwaters of Wormley Creek, across the York-Hampton Road, to Yorktown Creek, which in a real sense functioned as a continuation of the

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SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

The destruction caused by the superior French and American artillery, firing at ranges from 800 to 1,200 yards, was so great and the enemy batteries were so completely overpowered that Washington was soon ready to open the Second Allied Siege Line, which would bring his troops within storming distance of the enemy works. An “over the top” charge by the infantry would be the final stage of the siege should Cornwallis continue to hold out. Work on the second line began on the night of October 11-1

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CAPTURE OF REDOUBTS NO. 9 AND NO. 10.

CAPTURE OF REDOUBTS NO. 9 AND NO. 10.

Prior to the attacks on these redoubts, Washington had ordered a feint on the extreme left against the Fusiliers Redoubt and also a demonstration at Gloucester Point to distract the enemy. For several days before the assault, allied gunners directed fire to weaken the positions, a fire that actually was not very harmful. The attacks were made at 8 o’clock, after dark, on October 14, in one of the most dramatic and heroic moves of the siege of Yorktown, and it proved to be a definite turning poin

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LAST DAYS OF THE SIEGE.

LAST DAYS OF THE SIEGE.

Immediately following the capture of the two key redoubts, troops moved up to resume work on the second siege line. Before morning, this line was extended all the way to the York River and incorporated the formerly held British Redoubts No. 9 and No. 10. Communicating trenches were opened to the First Allied Siege Line and, adjacent to Redoubt No. 9, a large American Battery was begun. On October 15, Ebenezer Wild recorded: “The works were carried on last night with such spirit that at daylight

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NEGOTIATION AND SURRENDER.

NEGOTIATION AND SURRENDER.

When the British flag of truce was seen by the allied officers on the morning of the 17th, the incessant and devastating artillery fire ceased. It had been continuous since October 9, except for short intervals when batteries were being shifted or a flag of truce was passing between the lines. Cornwallis’ letter, which was transmitted immediately to Washington, read: “I propose a cessation of hostilities for twenty four hours, and that two officers may be appointed by each side, to meet at Mr. M

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THE SEQUEL.

THE SEQUEL.

After the surrender, the British units returned to Yorktown. After 2 days’ rest, the rank and file and junior officers were marched off to prison camps in western Virginia and Maryland. Both Washington and Rochambeau invited their distinguished prisoners to their tables, and for several days camp dinners were the fashion, the English attending as guests. The American units of the Allied armies took up the return march to the Hudson about November 1. The French, for the most part, remained on the

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The “Town of York”

The “Town of York”

Yorktown had its origin in the Virginia Port Act of 1691—one of the legislative measures by which British colonial authorities and Virginia leaders sought to force urban development in the colony. It specified that 50 acres should be procured for a port to serve York County and that it would be upon “Mr. Benjamin Reads land.” This was a part of the Capt. Nicholas Martiau property (originally patented about 1635) which, by 1691, had descended through Martiau’s daughter, Elizabeth, and George Read

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1. VISITOR CENTER.

1. VISITOR CENTER.

It is suggested that you stop first at the Visitor Center located high above the York River and nestled in a curve of existing fortifications. It is on the southeast edge of town with convenient connection to the Colonial Parkway. Park personnel is available here to assist you in planning your visit, as well as an information desk, literature, a series of exhibits including Washington’s Tent , and several dioramas. An introductory program of slides and motion pictures is featured. Included, too,

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2. REDOUBT NO. 9 (reconstructed).

2. REDOUBT NO. 9 (reconstructed).

A detachment of 400 French soldiers distinguished itself on the night of October 14 by storming this British strong point. The fall of this redoubt, and its neighbor, Redoubt No. 10, which was stormed by the Americans on the same night, was a decisive action of the siege....

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3. AMERICAN BATTERY NO. 2, SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

3. AMERICAN BATTERY NO. 2, SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

Erected after the capture of Redoubts Nos. 9 and 10, it was one of the most important positions of the second siege line. There are several original artillery pieces mounted in this reconstructed battery. French sailors visit British Redoubt No. 9 which their countrymen captured in 1781. The Lafayette Cannon—a 12-pounder made by W. Bowen in 1759....

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4. REDOUBT NO. 10.

4. REDOUBT NO. 10.

Close to the edge of the riverbank, a small part of the moat of this siege position is preserved and the parapet has been rebuilt. This is all that now remains. The rest of the position has been destroyed by erosion of the cliffs in the years since 1781. It was captured from the British on the night of October 14 in a bayonet attack led by Alexander Hamilton. Among those who distinguished themselves was Sgt. William Brown who later was the recipient of one of the first Purple Heart awards ever m

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5. AMERICAN SECTOR, FIRST ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

5. AMERICAN SECTOR, FIRST ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

The route now leads across the field, open as in 1781, between the allied lines. Part of the reconstructed communicating trench is visible. The next stop is in the American sector of the first siege line at a point where the Americans began to build their entrenchments (partly reconstructed)....

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6. AMERICAN APPROACH ROAD.

6. AMERICAN APPROACH ROAD.

The tour now follows the road used by the American troops as they approached the fighting line. It passes the location of their temporary supply depot. It is of interest to note that the road is well down in a ravine and this gave protection from shellfire. It led to the encampment area where troops bivouacked and lived. Before crossing Wormley Creek, however, the road turns back toward the York River....

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7. MOORE HOUSE.

7. MOORE HOUSE.

Here in the private home of Augustine Moore on October 18, 1781, commissioners met to draft the Articles of Capitulation. Constructed about 1725, the restored house is furnished as a home of the 1776-81 period. It is open daily....

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8. MOORES MILL DAM.

8. MOORES MILL DAM.

On the return from the Moore House the tour crosses Wormley Creek over a dam where Augustine Moore had a grist mill, as part of his 600-acre plantation. Ice for storage was probably cut here in winter. Mill dam road across Wormley Creek. The marked drive now passes through a section of the American encampment. Markers identify the more significant sites including:...

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9. BENJAMIN LINCOLN’S HEADQUARTERS SITE and 10. LAFAYETTE’S HEADQUARTERS SITE.

9. BENJAMIN LINCOLN’S HEADQUARTERS SITE and 10. LAFAYETTE’S HEADQUARTERS SITE.

“Surrender Room” in Moore House where the Articles of Capitulation were drafted....

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11. SURRENDER FIELD.

11. SURRENDER FIELD.

The next stop is at the south end of the field where the British laid down their arms as called for in the Articles of Capitulation. A sweeping view of a part of this field is possible from a raised platform especially designed for the purpose. In front of this is the trace of the old Warwick Road and bounding it on the right is the still existing York-Hampton Road. It was along the latter that the British troops marched out from Yorktown and this section of it is now known as Surrender Road....

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12. SURRENDER ROAD.

12. SURRENDER ROAD.

From Surrender Field it is possible to go directly back to Yorktown. It is suggested, however, that the route through the encampment area and to the British outer works be chosen....

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13. ENCAMPMENT DRIVE.

13. ENCAMPMENT DRIVE.

Here the road passes through historically interesting, and scenically beautiful, countryside. This is the only access to such areas as: A. Von Steuben’s Headquarters Site. Major General von Steuben, like Lincoln and Lafayette, commanded a division of American troops. B. Rochambeau’s Headquarters Site. Rochambeau commanded the French Army under Washington. C. Washington’s Headquarters Site. This is reached by a spur road from the main tour drive. The ford, restored to use as it was in 1781, is sa

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14. GRAND FRENCH BATTERY.

14. GRAND FRENCH BATTERY.

This position was the largest and one of the most effective in the First Allied Siege Line. A part of it, including gun platforms and magazines (powder and ammunition storage points), has been reconstructed. The artillery now mounted here (a trench mortar, siege cannon, mortars, and howitzers) are types used in the Revolutionary period. Some of the pieces were actually used at Yorktown during the siege....

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15. NATIONAL CEMETERY.

15. NATIONAL CEMETERY.

Established in 1866, this is chiefly a burial ground for Union soldiers killed in the vicinity in the Civil War....

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16. SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

16. SECOND ALLIED SIEGE LINE.

This is another point on the same encircling line that came to include British Redoubts Nos. 9 and 10....

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17. YORKTOWN.

17. YORKTOWN.

The tour now enters Yorktown proper where the British army was encamped and in which it made its stand. The old Civil War line rings the town today and under it is the British line of 1781. The figure of “Liberty” atop the Yorktown Victory Monument. Sculptured by Oskar J. W. Hansen. The Nelson House where Cornwallis may have had his headquarters in the last days of the siege. A. Site of Secretary Nelson’s House. Here Cornwallis had his headquarters when the siege opened. He remained until allied

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18. FUSILIERS REDOUBT.

18. FUSILIERS REDOUBT.

Located on the west side of Yorktown, it protected the road to Williamsburg. Because of erosion of the bluffs at this point, it has been possible to reconstruct only a part of the original position....

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“TOWN OF YORK”

“TOWN OF YORK”

Much of the old has continued, or is being recaptured, in Yorktown and many of its buildings and sites have their individual messages. In the following text, the letters correspond to those on the map of the “Town of York,” page 46 . A. West House. This residence is one of the few remaining colonial frame structures in Yorktown. Its inner timbers bear the scars of artillery fire to which it was subjected in 1781. It is thought to date from the mid-18th century. B. Archer Cottage. Below the bluff

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How to Reach Yorktown

How to Reach Yorktown

Yorktown is on U. S. 17 and is located 106 miles south of Fredericksburg and 32 miles north of Norfolk, Va. The approach from the north is from Gloucester Point by a bridge over the York River. U. S. 60 and State Route 168 pass a few miles to the west and are connected with Yorktown by State Route 238. The nearest rail terminal is 5 miles away at Lee Hall. Buses of the Greyhound Lines connect with Yorktown, and special sightseeing buses operate from Williamsburg. The Colonial Parkway with the Yo

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Colonial Parkway

Colonial Parkway

The most interesting approach to Yorktown is from Williamsburg by car over the Colonial Parkway. This highway, combining scenic beauty and historical interest, is a part of Colonial National Historical Park and connects Yorktown and Jamestown, two of the principal areas in the park, by way of Williamsburg. From Yorktown it follows the high ground along the south side of the York River for approximately 5 miles and then turns inland to traverse forested countryside into Williamsburg—Virginia’s 18

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About Your Visit

About Your Visit

The Yorktown Visitor Center is on the southeast edge of Yorktown. Literature is available here, and attendants, on request, will outline self-guided tours of the battlefield. The center is open daily except Christmas Day. The Moore House is open daily, except during the winter season, and there is an attendant on duty to assist you. There is a nominal admission charge which is waived for children under 12 years of age and for groups of school children 18 years of age or under when accompanied by

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Administration

Administration

The Yorktown Battlefield is a part of Colonial National Historical Park, which also includes the major part of Jamestown Island, together with some of the adjacent area, the Colonial Parkway, and the Cape Henry Memorial at Cape Henry, Va. The park was first established as a national monument by Presidential proclamation in 1930 and given its present designation by act of Congress in 1936. The battlefield, except for areas in private ownership, is administered by the National Park Service of the

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Closely Related Areas

Closely Related Areas

Other areas in the South included in the National Park System connected with the Revolutionary War are: Kings Mountain National Military Park, S. C.; Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, N. C.; Cowpens National Battlefield Site, S. C.; and Moores Creek National Military Park, N. C. Closely related to Yorktown and Jamestown, both geographically and historically, is Williamsburg (Virginia)—a national shrine of outstanding significance and interest. Much of the heart of the old 18th-century

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1

CORNWALLIS’ PAROLE [1] Charles Earl Cornwallis Lieutenant General [of his Brita]nnick Majesty’s Forces.________ Do acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the [United] States of America, &amp; having permission from His [Excellen]cy General Washington, agreeable to Capitulation, to proceed to New York &amp; Charlestown, or either, &amp; to Europe. Do pledge my Faith &amp; Word of Honor, that I will not do or say any thing injurious to the said United States or Armies thereof, or

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Appendix 2

Appendix 2

ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION [2] Articles of Capitulation settled between his Excellency General Washington Comander in Chief of the combined Forces of America &amp; France—His Excellency The Count de Rochambeau Lieutenant General of the Armies of the King of France—Great Cross of the Royal &amp; Military Order of St. Louis—Commanding the Auxiliary Troops of his most Christian Majesty in America—And His Excellency the Count de Grasse Lieutenant General of the Naval Armies of his Most Christi

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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES

(Price lists of National Park Service publications may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D.C.) Restored French Battery, showing siege guns in position...

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