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[p395] (N O T E A.)
Extract. -- From Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, June 11, 1781.
Respecting my opinion of stations in James and York rivers, I shall beg leave only to refer your lordship to my instructions to, and correspondence with, Generals Phillips and Arnold; together with the substance of conversations with the former, which your lordship will have found amongst General Phillips' papers, and to which I referred you in my last dispatch. I shall, therefore, of course, approve of any alteration your lordship may think proper to make in those stations.
The detachments I have made from this army into Chesapeak, since General Leslie's expedition in October last, inclusive, have amounted to seven thousand seven hundred and twenty-four effectives; and at the time your lordship made the junction with the corps there, there were, under Major-general Phillips' orders, five thousand three hundred and [p396] four: A force, I should have hoped, would be sufficient of itself to have carried on operations in any of the southern provinces of America; where, as appears by the intercepted letters of Washington and La Fayette, they are in no situation to stand against even a division of that army.
I have no reason to suppose the continentals under La Fayette can exceed one thousand; and I am told by Lieutenant-colonel Hill, of the 9th regiment, that about a fortnight ago he met at Frederick town the Pennsylvania line, under Wayne, of about the same number, who were so discontented, that their officers were afraid to trust them with ammunition. This, however, may have since altered; and your lordship may possibly have opposed to you from fifteen hundred to two thousand continentals, and (as La Fayette observes) a small body of ill-armed peasantry, full as spiritless as the militia of the southern provinces, and without any service.
Comparing, therefore, the force now under your lordship in the Chesapeak, and that of the enemy opposed to you, (and I think it clearly appears they have, for the present, no intention of sending thither reinforcements) I should have hoped you would have quite sufficient to carry on any operation in Virginia, should that have been advisable at this advanced season.
By the intercepted (a.) letters, enclosed to your lordship in my last dispatch, you will observe, that I am threatened with a siege in this post. My present effective force is only ten thousand nine hundred and thirty-one. With respect to that, the enemy may collect for such an object, it is probable they may amount to at least twenty thousand, besides reinforcement to the French, (which, from pretty good authority, [p397] I have reason to expect) and the numerous militia of the five neighbouring provinces. Thus circumstanced, I am persuaded your lordship will be of opinion, that the sooner I concentrate my force the better. Therefore (unless your lordship, after the receipt of my letter of the 29th of May, and 8th instant, should incline to agree with me in opinion, and judge it right to adopt my ideas respecting the move to Baltimore, or the Delaware neck, &c.) I beg leave to recommend it to you, as soon as you have finished the active operations you may now be (b.) engaged in, to take a defensive station, in any healthy situation you chuse, (be it at Williamsburgh or York town); and I would wish, in that case, that, after reserving to yourself such troops as you may judge necessary for an ample defensive, and desultory movements by water, for the purpose of annoying the enemy's communications, destroying magazines, &c., the following corps may be sent to me in succession as you can spare them: Two battalions of light infantry; 43d regiment; 76th or 80th regiment; two battalions of Anspach; Queen's rangers, cavalry and infantry; remains of the detachment of 17th light dragoons; and such proportion of artillery as can be spared, particularly men.
Extract. -- From Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated Williamsburgh, June 30, 1781.
La Fayette's continentals, I believe, consist of about seventeen or eighteen hundred men, exclusive of some twelvemonths-men collected by Steuben. He has received considerable reinforcements of militia, [p398] and about eight hundred mountain riflemen under Campbell. He keeps with his main body about eighteen or twenty miles from us; his advanced corps about ten or twelve, probably with an intention of insulting our rear guard when we pass James river. I hope, however, to put that out of his power, by crossing at James-city island; if I can get a favourable opportunity of striking a blow at him without loss of time, I will certainly try it. I will likewise attempt water expeditions, if proper objects present themselves after my arrival at (a.) Portsmouth.
Extract. -- From Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, June 28, 1781.
[In cypher. -- Received July 8, 1781.]
Having, for very essential reasons, come to a resolution of endeavouring, by a rapid move, to seize the stores, &c., collected at Philadelphia, and afterwards to bring the troops employed on that service to reinforce this post, I am to request, that, if your lordship has not already embarked the reinforcement I called for in my letters of the 8th, 11th, 15th, and 19th instant, and should not be engaged in some very important move, either of your own, or in consequence of my ideas respecting operation in the Upper Chesapeak, you will be pleased, as soon as possible, to order an embarkation of the troops specified below, (1.) and of the stores, &c. &c. stated in the enclosed paper, or in [p399] as full a manner as your lordship can with propriety comply; recollecting, that whatever may have been taken too great a proportion of, will be immediately returned to you the moment the expedition is over.
Copy. -- Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated Cobham, July 8, 1781.
Sir,
I was this morning honoured with your dispatch of the 28th ult. The
troops are perfectly ready, and will proceed to Portsmouth to wait the
arrival
(f.)
of the transports. I will give immediate orders about the artillery, stores,
&c.
The transports now at Portsmouth are sufficient to carry the light infantry; I had prepared them to receive that corps, and should have sent them to you in a few days, if your last order had not arrived. In your cyphered dispatch, the 2d battalion of light infantry only is mentioned; but I conclude that to be a mistake, and shall keep both ready to embark. I take for granted that General Robertson will come with the transports to take the command of the expedition. General Leslie is still here; but as it was not my intention to have sent him with the troops to New York, and as he will be the properest person to command here, in case you should approve of my returning to Charles town, I shall not send him on the expedition, unless it shall then appear to be your excellency's desire that he should accompany General Robertson.
[p400] I must again take the liberty of calling your excellency's serious attention to the question of the utility of a defensive post in this country, which cannot have the smallest influence on the war in Carolina, and which only gives us some acres of an unhealthy swamp, and is for ever liable to become a prey to a foreign enemy, with a temporary superiority at sea. Desultory expeditions in the Chesapeak may be undertaken from New York with as much ease and more safety, whenever there is reason to suppose that our naval force is likely to be superior for two or three months.
The boats and naval assistance having been sent to me by Captain Hudson, I marched on the (a.) 4th from Williamsburgh to a camp which covered a ford into the island of James town. The Queen's rangers passed the river that evening. On the 5th, I sent over all the wheel carriages, and on the 6th, the bat horses, and baggage of every kind, intending to pass (b.) with the army on the 7th. About noon, on the 6th, information was brought me of the approach of the enemy, and about four in the afternoon a large body attacked our out posts. Concluding that the enemy would not bring a considerable force within our reach, unless they supposed that nothing was left but a rear guard, I took every means to convince them of my weakness, and suffered my pickets to be insulted and driven back; nothing, however, appeared near us but riflemen and militia till near (c.) sunset, when a body of continentals, with artillery, began to form in the front of our camp. I then put the troops under arms, and ordered the army to advance in two lines. The attack was began by the first line with great spirit. There being nothing but militia opposed to the light infantry, the action was soon over on the right: But Lieutenant-colonel Dundas' (d.) brigade, consisting of the 43d, 76th, and 80th regiments, which formed the left wing, meeting the Pennsylvania line, [p401] and a detachment of the Marquis de la Fayette's continentals, with two six-pounders, a smart action ensued for some minutes, when the enemy gave way and abandoned their cannon. The cavalry were perfectly ready to pursue; but the darkness of the evening prevented my being able to make use of them. I cannot sufficiently commend the spirit and good behaviour of the officers and soldiers of the whole army; but the 76th and 80th regiments, on whom the brunt of the action fell, had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves particularly, and Lieutenant colonel Dundas' conduct and gallantry deserve the highest praise. The force of the enemy in the field was about two thousand, and their loss, I believe, between two and three hundred. Half an hour more of daylight would have probably given us the greatest part of the corps.
I have enclosed a list of our killed and wounded. We finished our passage yesterday, which has been an operation of great labour and difficulty, as the river is three miles wide at this place. I have great obligations to Captain Aplin and the officers of the navy and seamen for their great exertions and attentions on this occasion.
I have not received the letters your excellency alludes to, of the 29th of May, or 8th and 19th of June.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Extract of a letter from an officer of rank in the American army, dated July 11th, 1781.
The British officers, we are informed, are much displeased at the issue, and acknowledged they were out-generalled; otherwise they must [p402] have (e.) cut to pieces our small detachment, aided as they were by five hundred horse and a considerable body of infantry, mounted.
We could not possibly have extricated ourselves from the difficulties we were in, but by the manoeuvre we adopted, which, though it may have the appearance of temerity to those unacquainted with circumstances, yet was founded on the truest military principles, and was one of those necessary, though daring, measures, which seldom fail of producing the desired effect, that is, confusing the enemy, and opening a way to retreat in sight of a much superior army.
Copy. -- From Earl Cornwallis to Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, dated Cobham, July 8th, 1781.
Dear Tarleton,
I would have you begin your march to-morrow with the corps of cavalry
and mounted infantry under your command to Prince-Edward court
house, and from thence to New London in Bedford county, making the
strictest inquiry in every part of the country through which you pass, for
ammunition, cloathing, or stores of any kind, intended for the public;
and as there is no pressing service for your corps in this province, I must
desire you will be in no haste to return; but do every thing in your power
to destroy the supplies destined for the rebel army.
All public stores of corn and provisions are to be burnt, and if there should be a quantity of provisions or corn collected at a private [p403] house, I would have you destroy it, even although there should be no proof of its being intended for the public service, leaving enough for the support of the family, as there is the greatest reason to apprehend that such provisions will be ultimately appropriated by the enemy to the use of General Greene's army, which, from the present state of the Carolinas, must depend on this province for its supplies.
As it is very probable that some of the light troops of General Greene's army may be on their return to this country, you will do all you can to procure intelligence of their route; I need not tell you of what importance it will be to intercept them, or any prisoners of ours from South Carolina. I would have all persons of consequence, either civil or military, brought to me before they are paroled.
I will leave a detachment at Suffolk to receive you on your return. Three light waggons, with good horses, and a puncheon of rum, will be delivered to you on application to the quarter-master general.
You will publish that you are the advanced guard of my army, and order, under pain of military execution, the people of the country to provide waggons, &c., to expedite the movements of my army.
Most sincerely wishing you success, and placing the greatest confidence in your zeal and abilities,
I am, with great truth and regard,
Dear Tarleton,
Most faithfully yours,
CORNWALLIS.
Copy. -- Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated head quarters, New York, July 11th, 1781.
[In cypher. -- Received from Brigadier-major Bowes, July 20th, at one A. M.]
My Lord,
I have received your lordship's letter of the 30th of June, and the admiral
has dispatched a frigate with his and my opinions in answer to it. I
cannot be more explicit by this opportunity than to desire, that, if you
have not already passed the James river, you will continue on the
Williamsburgh neck until she arrives with my dispatches by Captain
Stapleton. If you have passed, and find it expedient to recover that
station, you will please to do it, and keep possession until you hear from
me. Whatever troops may have been embarked by you for this place, are
likewise to remain until farther orders; and if they should have been
sailed, and within your call, you will be pleased to stop them. It is the
admiral's and my wish, at all events, to hold Old-point Comfort, which
secures Hampton road.
H. CLINTON.
Extract. -- From Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, July 15, 1781.
Until I had the honour to receive your lordship's letter of the 8th instant, I had flattered myself, that upon re-considering the general purport of our correspondence, and General Phillips' papers in your possession, you would, at least, have waited for a line from me, in answer to your letter of the 30th ult., before you finally determined [p405] upon so serious and mortifying a move, as the re-passing James river, and retiring with your army to Portsmouth: And I was the more induced to hope that this would have been the case, as we both seemed to agree in our opinion of the propriety of taking a healthy station on the Neck, between York and James rivers, for the purpose of covering a proper harbour for our line-of-battle ships. And I am persuaded your lordship will be sensible, that in all my letters I clearly leave you at full liberty to detain any part, or even the whole of the troops I solicited you to send me, should your lordship have determined on any solid operation of your own in Virginia, or elsewhere; or should you have adopted the one I had recommended in the Upper Chesapeak; or even should you have judged their continuance with you necessary, until the stations you might think proper to take were rendered respectably defensive.
As your lordship is again pleased to call my serious attention to the question of the utility of a defensive post in Virginia, which you say cannot have the smallest influence on the war in Carolina, and which only gives us some acres of an unhealthy swamp, I must, in answer, beg leave again to repeat to your Lordship, that it never was my intention to continue a post on Elizabeth river any longer than until the commencement of solid operations in the Chesapeak, nor to have there more troops than what might be capable of defending a small work on that river; and that all the general officers who have commanded in the Chesapeak have had my consent to change that station for one more healthy, if they judged it proper to do so: To which I will moreover add, that it ever has been, is, and ever will be, my firm and unalterable opinion, that it is of the first consequence to His Majesty's affairs on this continent, that we take possession of the Chesapeak, and that we do not afterwards relinquish it. I beg leave, also, my lord, to [p406] dissent from the opinion you have given me of a defensive post in the Chesapeak, and that desultory expeditions there may be undertaken from New York with as much ease, and more safety; for I cannot but suppose, that a defensive station in the Chesapeak, with a corps of at least four thousand regular troops for its protection and desultory water movements during the summer months, wherein land operations may be impracticable, would have the most beneficial effects on more distant districts, for the reasons I have already had the honour to give your lordship: Nor do I recollect, that in any of my letters to your lordship, I have suggested an idea, that there was a probability of the enemy's having a naval superiority in these seas for any length of time, much less for so long a one as two or three months. But with respect to the unhealthiness of the station at Portsmouth, my letters to General Phillips on that subject, (wherein I say, God forbid I should wish to bury the elite of my army in Nansemond and Princess Anne) will satisfy your lordship that we are both of one opinion.
Copy of the report of Lieutenant Sutherland, engineer, dated Billy ordnance transport, Hampton road, July 25, 1781.
My Lord,
Agreeable to your orders, I have examined the ground on Old-point
Comfort with as much accuracy as I possible could; and for your
lordship's better information, I have made a survey of the ground, upon
which is laid down the width and soundings of the channel.
[p407] I beg leave to offer what appears to me respecting the situation of a work on that spot.
The ground where the ruins of fort George lay is the fittest for a work, but at the same time must be attended with many inconveniencies.
The level of the ground there is about two feet higher than the high-water mark, which, from its very short distance to the deep water, must soon be destroyed by a naval attack.
The great width and depth of the channel give ships the advantage of passing the fort with very little risk. I apprehend fifteen hundred yards is too great a distance for batteries to stop ships, which is the distance here. Ships that wish to pass the fire of the fort, have no occasion to approach nearer.
Nor do I imagine a fort built there could afford any great protection to an inferior and weak fleet, anchored near the fort, against a superior fleet of the enemy, which must have it in their power to make their own disposition, and place our fleet between them and the fort, the channel affording no bay for the security of ships under cover of a fort.
The time and expence to build a fort there must be very considerable, from the low situation of the ground, which must necessarily cause the soil to be moved from a great distance to form the ramparts and parapets; and every other material must be carried there, as the timber on the peninsula is unfit for any useful purpose.
[p408] These are the remarks which have occurred to me on examining the ground and situation of a work on Old-point Comfort, for the protection of the harbour and fleet, which I humbly submit to your lordship.
I have the honour to be, &c.
ALEX. SUTHERLAND,
Lieutenant of engineers.
Copy of the opinions of the commanders of His Majesty's ships in the Chesapeak, relative to Old-point Comfort, dated Richmond, Hampton road, July 26, 1781.
My Lord,
In consequence of a requisition that your lordship received from the
commanders in chief of His Majesty's troops and ships, relative to a post
being established at Old-point Comfort, for the protection and security
of the King's ships that may occasionally be sent to the Chesapeak,
we, whose names are hereunto subscribed, have taken as accurate a
survey of that place as possible, and are unanimously of opinion, from
the width of the channel and depth of water close to it, that any superior
enemy's force coming in may pass any work that can be established
there, with little damage, or destroy it with the ships that may be there
under its protection.
We have the honour to be, &c.
CHARLES HUDSON,
THOMAS SYMONDS,
CHARLES EVERITT,
RALPH DUNDASS.
[p409] (N O T E H.)
Admiral Graves to Earl Cornwallis, dated London, off Sandy Hook, 12th July, 1781.
My Lord,
I have the honour to acquaint your lordship, that the Solebay, Captain
Everitt, carries Captain Stapleton, charged with his Excellency Sir Henry
Clinton's dispatches to your lordship, and with my orders to the captains
of the King's ships, to return with the troops under their convoy to the
Chesapeak; and if not sailed, for them to remain, and to conform to your
lordship's requisitions in the disposal of them.
I need only say to your lordship, that there is no place for the great ships during the freezing months, on this side the Chesapeak, where the great ships will be in security, and at the same time capable of acting; and in my opinion, they had better go to the West Indies than be laid up in Halifax during the winter. If the squadron is necessary to the operations of the army, Hampton road appears to be the place where they can be anchored with the greatest security, and at the same time be capable of acting with most effect against any attempts of the enemy. To this end, Old-point Comfort seems necessary to be occupied by us, as commanding the entrance to the road; and if York can be secured, it will give the command of the lower, or Elizabeth country, and deprive the rebels of the use of the two best settled rivers of the Chesapeak, and deter an enemy from entering the Chesapeak whilst we command the access to it, for we should have all his convoys and detachments exposed to our attempts.
I have the honour to be, &c.
THO. GRAVES.
[p410] Earl Cornwallis to Admiral Graves, dated Portsmouth, July 26, 1781.
Sir,
I was honoured with your letter of the 12th of July, by the Solebay, in
which you mention a desire of having a harbour secured in the
Chesapeak for line-of-battle ships. I immediately ordered the engineers
to examine Old-point Comfort, and went thither myself with the captains
of the navy on this station. You will receive a copy of the engineers'
report, with a sketch of the peninsula, and the opinion of the officers of
the navy relative to the occupying and fortifying of that post.
The commander in chief having signified to me, in his letter of the 11th instant, that he thought a secure harbour for line-of-battle ships of so much importance in the Chesapeak, that he wished me to possess one, even if it should occupy all the force at present in Virginia; and as it is our unanimous opinion that Point Comfort (a.) will not answer the purpose, I shall immediately seize and fortify the posts of York and Gloucester, and shall be happy at all times to concur in any measures which may promote the convenience and advantage of his Majesty's navy.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Copy. -- From Earl Cornwallis to Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, dated York town, August 4, 1781.
Dear Tarleton,
We had a passage of four days, but made good our landing without
opposition on either side. I have no positive accounts of the enemy.
Fayette is said to be marching towards Pamunkey, and I am not quite
easy about our post at Gloucester. Wayne had certainly advanced to
Goode's
(a.)
bridge; but I suppose he will now be recalled. Simcoe himself is ill, and
his horses, by being so long on board, are in a wretched condition.
According to the present appearance of things, it will certainly be much
the best way for you to land at Old-point Comfort, and march by
Hampton to this place, which will nearly insure your not being above
one day on board. You must in that case make your horses leap out in
deep water, and swim on shore; we practised that method here without
any accident. I do not at present see any thing that can endanger your
march from Hampton hither; nor do I think it probable, that Fayette can
come near us with a superior force before your arrival: You must,
however, see, that I cannot well march out from hence, as I must leave at
Gloucester and this place such a force as would render me too weak to
wish to fight. They assure me that there is no carriage road from
Williamsburgh to Hampton that does not pass within five miles of us:
Should circumstances alter, I think I could inform you in time by an
express boat. After having said this, I leave it to your discretion; and if
you see difficulty and danger in joining me by the short way of Point
Comfort, I would have you go round; but if you prefer the short passage,
[p412]
it should be kept very secret. Your baggage should come round; and
what you are most in want of, you may by my authority put into any of
the quarter-master-general's armed vessels, and send round immediately.
You will communicated the contents of this to General O'Hara, to whom
I write by this opportunity.
I am, with great regard,
Dear Tarleton,
Most faithfully yours,
CORNWALLIS.
Extract. -- From Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated York, in Virginia, Aug. 12, 1781.
I embarked the 80th regiment in boats, and went myself on board the Richmond very early in the morning of the 29th; but we were so unfortunate in winds as to be four days on our passage. The 80th landed on the night of the 1st at Gloucester; and the troops which were in transports, on the morning of the 2d, at this place. I have since brought the 71st and the legion hither, and sent the regiment du Prince Hereditaire to Gloucester. The works on the Gloucester side are in some forwardness, and I hope in a situation to resist a sudden attack. Brigadier-general O'Hara is hastening as much as possible the evacuation of Portsmouth: As soon as he arrives here, I will send to New York every man that I can spare, consistent with the safety and subsistence of the force in this country.
[p413] Extract. -- From Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated York town, Virginia, 22d August, 1781.
(a.) Portsmouth having been completely evacuated without any interruption from the enemy, General O'Hara arrived here this day with the stores and troops; and a great number of refugees have accompanied him from the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Princess Anne.
The engineer has finish his survey (b.) and examination of this place, and has proposed his plan for fortifying it; which appearing (c.) judicious, I have approved of, and directed to be executed.
The works at Gloucester are now in such forwardness, that a smaller detachment than the present garrison would be in safety against a sudden attack; but I make no alteration there, as I cannot hope that the labour of the whole will complete that post in less than five or six weeks.
My experience there of the fatigue and difficulty of constructing works in this warm season, convinces me, that all the labour that the troops here will be capable of, without ruining their health, will be required at least for six weeks to put the intended works at this place in a tolerable state of defence: And as your excellency has been pleased to communicate to me your intention of re-commencing operations in the Chesapeak about the beginning of October, I will not venture to take any step that might retard the establishing of this post; but I request that your excellency will be pleased to decide whether it is more important for your plans, that a detachment of a [p414] thousand or twelve hundred men, which I think I can spare from every other purpose but that of labour, should be sent to you from hence, or that the whole of the troops here should be employed in expediting the works.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, in Virginia, 31st August, 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
A French ship of the line, with two frigates, and the Loyalist, which they
have taken, lie at the mouth of this river.
A lieutenant of the Charon, who went with an escort of dragoons to Old-point Comfort, reports, that there are between thirty and forty sail within the capes, mostly ships of war, and some of them very large.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York, 1st Sept. 1781.
[Written in cypher on a Congress note.]
An enemy's fleet within the capes, between thirty and forty ships of war, mostly large.
CORNWALLIS.
[p415] Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York, in Virginia, 2d Sept. 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
Compte de Grasse's fleet is within the capes of the Chesapeak. Forty
boats with troops went up James river yesterday, and four ships lie at the
entrance of this river.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, Virginia, 4th Sept. 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
Compte de Grasse's fleet is within the capes of the Chesapeak. Forty
boats with troops went up James river on the 1st instant, which are
landed, as I am informed, at James-city island; and four ships lie at the
entrance of this river.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, in Virginia, 8th Sept. 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
I have made several attempts to inform your excellency, that the French
West-India fleet, under Monsieur de Grasse, entered the capes the 29th
ult. I could not exactly learn the number; they report twenty-five or
twenty-six sail of the line. One of seventy-four
[p416]
and two of sixty-four, and one frigate, lie at the mouth of this river. On
the 6th, the seventy-four and frigate turned down with a contrary wind,
and yesterday the two others followed. My report, dated last evening,
from a point below, which commands a view of the capes and bay, says,
that there were within the capes only seven ships, two of which were
certainly ships of the line, and two frigates. Firing was said to be heard
off the capes the night of the 4th, morning and night of the 5th, and
morning of the 6th.
The French troops landed at James town are said to be three thousand eight hundred men. Washington is said to be shortly expected; and his troops are intended to be brought by water from the head of Elk, under protection of the French ships. The Marquis de la Fayette is at or near Williamsburgh: The French troops are expected there, but were not arrived last night. As my works were not in a state of defence, I have taken a strong position out of the town. I am now working hard at the redoubts of the place. Provisions for six weeks: I will be very careful of it.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, Sept. 2, 1781.
[In cypher. -- Triplicate. -- Received 15th September.]
My Lord,
By intelligence which I have this day received, it would seem that Mr.
Washington is moving an army to the southward, with an appearance
[p417]
of haste, and gives out that he expects the co-operation of a considerable
French armament: Your lordship, however, may be assured, that if this
should be the case, I shall either endeavour to reinforce the army under
your command by all the means within the compass of my power, or
make every possible diversion in your favour.
Captain Stanhope, of His Majesty's ship the Pegasus, who has just arrived from the West Indies, says, that on Friday last, in lat. 38 deg. about sixty leagues from the coast, he was chased by eight ships of the line, which he took to be French, and that one of the victuallers he had under his convoy had counted upwards of forty sail more: However, as Rear-admiral Graves, after being joined by Sir Samuel Hood with fourteen coppered ships of the line, sailed from hence on the 31st ult. with a fleet of nineteen sail, besides some fifty-gun ships, I flatter myself you will have little to apprehend from that of the French.
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
P. S. Washington, it is said, was to be at Trenton this day, and means to go in vessels to Christian creek; from thence, by head of Elk, down Chesapeak, in vessels also. If that navigation is not interrupted, he should go by land from Baltimore. Your lordship can best judge what time it will require. I should suppose, at least, three weeks from Trenton. Washington has about four thousand French and two thousand rebel troops with him.
H. C.
September 4. -- To this triplicate, and by this very uncertain conveyance, I shall only add to your lordship, that I have had the honour [p418] to receive this morning a duplicate, and this evening a triplicate, of your letter of the 31st ult.
Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, Sept. 6, at noon, 1781.
[In cypher. -- Received 16th September.]
My Lord,
As I find by your letters that De Grasse has got into the Chesapeak, and I
can have no doubt that Washington is moving with at least six thousand
French and rebel troops against you, I think the best way to relieve you
is to join you, as soon as possible, with all the force that can be spared from
hence, which is about four thousand men. They
are already embarked, and will proceed the instant I receive information
from the admiral that we may venture, or that from other intelligence the
commodore and I shall judge sufficient to move upon.
By accounts from Europe, we have every reason to expect Admiral Digby hourly on the coast.
Commodore Johnstone has beat a superior French fleet at St. Jago, and proceeded the day after for the place of his destination.
I beg your lordship will let me know, as soon as possible, your ideas how the troops embarked for the Chesapeak may be best employed for your relief, according to the state of circumstance when you receive this letter. I shall not, however, wait to receive your answer, should I hear in the mean time that the passage is open.
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
[p419] (N O T E N.)
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, in Virginia, 16th September, 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
I have received your letters of the 2d and 6th. The enemy's fleet has
(a.)
returned. Two line-of-battle ships and one frigate lie at the mouth of this
river, and three or four line-of-battle ships, several frigates and
transports, went up the bay the 12th and 14th. I hear Washington arrived
at Williamsburgh on the 14th. Some of his troops embarked at head of
Elk, and the others arrived at Baltimore on the 12th.
If I had no hopes of relief, I would rather risk an action than defend my half-finished works; but as you say Digby is hourly expected, and promise every exertion to assist me, I do not think myself justified in putting the fate of the war on so desperate an attempt. By examining the transports with care, and turning out useless mouths, my provisions will last at least six weeks from this day, if we can preserve them from accidents. The cavalry must, I fear, be all lost. I am of opinion that you can do me no effectual service but by coming directly to this place.
Lieutenant Conway, of the Cormorant, is just exchanged. He assures me, that, since the Rhode-island squadron has joined, they have thirty-six (b.) sail of the line. This place is in no state of defence. [p420] If you cannot relieve me very soon, you must be prepared to hear the worst.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, Sept. 24, 1781.
[In cypher. -- Received September 29, 1781.]
My Lord,
I was honoured yesterday with your lordship's letter of the 16th and 17th
instant, and, at a meeting of the general and flag officers held this day, it
is determined that above five thousand men, rank and file, shall be
embarked on board the King's ships, and the joint exertions of the navy
and army made in a few days to relieve you, and afterwards co-operate
with you.
The fleet consists of twenty-three sail of the line, three of which are three deckers. There is every reason to hope we start from hence the 5th October. I have received your lordship's letter of the 8th instant.
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
P. S. Admiral Digby is this moment arrived at the Hook with three sail of the line.
[p421] At a venture, without knowing whether they can be seen by us, I request, that, if all is well, upon hearing a considerable firing towards the entrance of the Chesapeak, three large separate smokes may be made parallel to it; and if you possess the post of Gloucester, four.
I shall send another runner soon.
H. CLINTON.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated York town, in Virginia, September 22, 1781, ten P. M.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
I have ventured these last two days to look General Washington's whole
force in the face in the position on the outside of my works, and I have
the pleasure to assure your excellency, that there was but one wish
throughout the whole army, which was, that the enemy would advance.
I have this evening received your letter of the 24th, which has given me the greatest satisfaction. I shall retire this night within the works, and have no doubt, if relief arrives in any reasonable time, York and Gloucester will be both in the possession of his Majesty's troops.
[p422] I believe your excellency must depend more on the sound of our cannon than the signal of smokes for information; however, I will attempt it on the Gloucester side. -- Medicines are wanted.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, September 25, 1781.
[Duplicate. -- In cypher. -- Received October 2.]
My Lord,
My letter of yesterday will have informed your lordship of the number of
ships and troops we can bring with us. It is supposed the necessary
repairs of the fleet will detain us here to the 5th of October; and your
lordship must be sensible that unforeseen accidents may lengthen it out a
day or two longer; I therefore entreat you to lose no time in letting me
know by the bearer your real situation, and your opinion how, upon our
arrival, we can best act to form a junction with you, together with the
exact strength of the enemy's fleet, and what part of the Chesapeak they
appear to be most jealous of.
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
P. S. As your lordship must have better intelligence than we can possibly have, I request you will send a trusty person to each of the [p423] capes, about the 7th of next month, with every information respecting the force and situation of the enemy you may judge necessary, and directions to continue there until our arrival, when small vessels will be sent to bring off any person they may find there.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated York town, Virginia, October 3, 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
I received your letter of the 25th of September last night. The enemy are
encamped about two miles from us. On the night of the 30th of
September they broke ground, and made two redoubts about eleven
hundred yards from our works, which, with some
(a.)
works that had been constructed to secure our exterior position, occupy a
gorge between two creeks which nearly embrace this post. They have
finished these redoubts, and I expect they will go on with their works
this night. From the time that the enemy have given us, and the
uncommon exertions of the troops, our works are in a better state of
defence than we had reason to hope.
I can see no means of forming a junction with me but by York river; and I do not think that any diversion would be of use to us. Our accounts of the strength of the French fleet have in general been that they were thirty-five or thirty-six sail of the line; they have frequently changed their position; two ships of the line and one frigate [p424] lie at the mouth of this river; and our last accounts were, that the body of the fleet lay between the tail of the Horseshoe and York spit: And it is likewise said, that four line-of-battle ships lay a few days ago in Hampton road. I see little chance of my being able to send persons to wait for you at the capes; but I will, if possible.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Sir Henry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis, dated New York, September 30, 1781.
[Duplicate. -- In cypher. -- Received, October 10, from Major Cockran.]
My Lord,
Your lordship may be assured that I am doing every thing in my power
to relieve you by a direct move, and I have reason to hope, from the
assurances given me this day by Admiral Graves, that we may pass the
bar by the 12th of October, if the winds permit, and no unforeseen
accident happens; this, however, is subject to disappointment;
wherefore, if I hear from you, your wishes will of course direct me, and I
shall persist in my idea of a direct move even to the middle of
November, should it be your lordship's opinion that you can hold out so
long; but if, when I hear from you, you tell me that you cannot, and I am
without hopes of arriving in time to succour you by a direct move, I will
immediately make an attempt upon Philadelphia
(a.)
by land, giving you notice, if possible, of my intention. If this should
draw any part of Washington's force from you, it may possibly give
[p425]
you an opportunity of doing something to save your army; of which,
however, you can best judge, from being upon the spot.
I have the honour to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, Virginia, October 11, 1781, twelve M.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
Cochrane arrived yesterday. I have only to repeat what I said in my letter
of the 3d, that nothing but a direct move to York river, which includes a
successful naval action, can save me. The enemy made their first parallel
on the night of the 6th, at the distance of six hundred yards, and have
perfected it, and constructed places of arms and batteries with great
regularity and caution. On the evening of the 9th their batteries opened,
and have since continued firing without intermission, with about forty
pieces of cannon, mostly heavy, and sixteen mortars, from eight to
sixteen inches. We have lost about seventy men, and many of our works
are considerably damaged: With such works on disadvantageous ground,
against so powerful an attack, we cannot hope to make a very long
resistance.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
[p426] P. S. Oct. 11, five P. M. -- Since my last letter was written we have lost thirty men.
Oct. 12, seven P. M. -- Last night the enemy made their second parallel at the distance of three hundred yards. We continue to lose men very fast.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K.B. dated York Town, October 15, 1781.
[In cypher.]
Sir,
Last evening the enemy carried two advanced redoubts on the left by
storm, and during the night have included them in their second parallel,
which they are at present busy in perfecting. My situation now becomes
very critical; we dare not shew a gun to their old batteries, and I expect
that their new ones will open to-morrow morning: Experience has
shewn, that our fresh earthen works do not resist their powerful artillery;
so that we shall soon be exposed to an assault in ruined works, in a bad
position, and with weakened numbers. The safety of the place is,
therefore, so precarious, that I cannot recommend that the fleet and army
should run great risk in endeavouring to save us.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
[p427] (N O T E W.)
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated York town, Virginia, October 20, 1781.
Sir,
I have the mortification to inform your excellency, that I have been
forced to give up the posts of York and Gloucester, and to surrender the
troops under my command, by capitulation on the 19th instant, as
prisoners of war to the combined forces of America and France.
I never saw this post in a very favourable light: But when I found I was to be attacked in it in so unprepared a state, by so powerful an army and artillery, nothing but the hopes of relief would have induced me to attempt its defence; for I would either have endeavoured to escape to New York by rapid marches from the Gloucester side, immediately on the arrival of General Washington's troops at Williamsburgh, or I would, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, have attacked them in the open field, where it might have been just possible that fortune would have favoured the gallantry of the handful of troops under my command: But being assured by your excellency's letters, that every possible means would be tried by the navy and army to relieve us, I could not think myself at liberty to venture upon either of those desperate attempts; therefore, after remaining for two days in a strong position, in front of this place, in hopes of being attacked, upon observing that the enemy were taking measure which could not fail of turning my left flank in a short time, and receiving on the second evening your letter of the 24th of September, [p428] informing me that the relief would sail about the 5th of October, I withdrew within the works on the night of the 29th of September, hoping by the labour and firmness of the soldiers to protract the defence until you could arrive. Every thing was to be expected from the spirit of the troops; but every disadvantage attended their labour, as the work was to be continued under the enemy's fire, and our stock of intrenching tools, which did not much exceed four hundred when we began to work in the latter end of August, was now much diminished.
The enemy broke ground on the night of the 30th, and constructed on that night, and the two following days and nights, two redoubts, which, with some works that had belonged to our outward position, occupied a gorge between two creeks or ravines, which came from the river on each side of the town. On the night of the 6th (a.) of October they made their first parallel, extending from its right on the river to a deep ravine on the left, nearly opposite to the center of this place, and embracing our whole left, at the distance of six hundred yards. Having perfected this parallel, their batteries opened on the evening of the 9th, against our left; and other batteries fired at the same time against a redoubt over a creek upon our right, and defended by about one hundred and twenty men of the 23d regiment and marines, who maintained that post with uncommon gallantry. The fire continued incessant from heavy cannon, and from mortars and howitzers, throwing shells from eight to sixteen inches, until all our guns on the left were silenced, our work much damaged, and our loss of men considerable. On the night of the 11th (b.) they began their second parallel, about three hundred yards nearer to us. The troops being much weakened by sickness, as well as by the fire of the besiegers, and observing that the enemy had not only secured their flanks, but proceeded [p429] in every respect with the utmost regularity and caution, I could not venture so large sorties, as to hope from them any considerable effect; but otherwise, I did every thing in my power to interrupt their work, by opening new embrazures for guns, and keeping up a constant fire with all the howitzers and small mortars that we could man. On the evening of the 14th, they assaulted and carried two redoubts, that had been advanced about three hundred yards for the purpose of displaying their approaches, and covering our left flank, and during the night included them in their second parallel, on which they continued to work with the utmost exertion. Being perfectly sensible that our works could not stand many hours after the opening of the batteries of that parallel, we not only continued a constant fire with all our mortars, and every gun that could be brought to bear upon it, but a little before daybreak, on the morning of the 10th, [sic s. b. 16th] I order a sortie of about three hundred and fifty men, under the direction (c.) of Lieutenant-colonel Abercrombie, to attack two batteries which appeared to be in the greatest forwardness, and to spike the guns. A detachment of guards, with the 80th company of grenadiers, under the command of Lieutenant-colonel Lake, attacked the one; and one of light infantry, under the command of Major Armstrong, attacked the other; and both succeeded, by forcing the redoubts that covered them, spiking eleven guns, and killing or wounding about one hundred of the French troops who had the guard of that part of the trenches, and with little loss on our side. The action, though extremely honourable to the officers and soldiers who executed it, proved of little public advantage; for the cannon having been spiked in a hurry, were soon rendered fit for service again; and before dark the whole parallel and batteries appeared to be nearly complete. At this time we knew that there was no part of the whole front attacked on which we could show a single gun, and our shells were nearly expended: I therefore [p430] had only to chuse between preparing to surrender next day, or endeavouring to get off with the greatest part of the troops; and I determined to attempt the latter, reflecting, that though it should prove unsuccessful in its immediate object, it might, at least, delay the enemy in the prosecution of farther enterprizes. Sixteen large boats were prepared, and upon other pretexts were ordered to be in readiness to receive troops precisely at ten o'clock: With these I hoped to pass the infantry during the night; abandoning our baggage, and leaving a detachment to capitulate for the town's people, and the sick and wounded; on which subject a letter was ready to be delivered to General Washington. After making my arrangements with the utmost secrecy, the light infantry, greatest part of the guards, and part of the 23d regiment, landed at Gloucester; but at this critical moment, the weather, from being moderate and calm, changed to a violent storm of wind and rain, and drove all the boats, some of which had troops on board, down the river. It was soon evident, that the intended passage was impracticable; and the absence of the boats rendered it equally impossible to bring back the troops that had passed, which I had ordered about two in the morning. In this situation, with my little force divided, the enemy's batteries opened at daybreak: The passage between this place and Gloucester was much exposed, but the boats having now returned, they were ordered to bring back the troops that had passed during the night, and they joined in the forenoon without much loss. Our works in the mean time were going to ruin; and not having been able to strengthen them by abbatis, nor in any other manner than by a slight fraizing, which the enemy's artillery were demolishing wherever they fired, my opinion entirely coincided with that of the engineer and principal officers of the army, that they were in many places assailable in the forenoon, and that by the continuance of the same fire for a few hours longer, they would be in such a state as [p431] to render it desperate, with our numbers, to attempt to maintain them. We at that time could not fire a single gun; only one eight-inch and little more than a hundred cohorn shells remained; a diversion by the French ships of war that lay at the mouth of York river was to be expected. Our numbers had been diminished by the enemy's fire, but particularly by sickness; and the strength and spirits of those in the works were much exhausted by the fatigue of constant watching and unremitting duty. Under all these circumstances, I thought it would have been wanton and inhuman to the last degree to sacrifice the lives of this small body of gallant soldiers, who had ever behaved with so much fidelity and courage, by exposing them to an assault, which, from the numbers and precaution of the enemy, could not fail to succeed. I therefore proposed to (d.) capitulate, and I have the honour to inclose to your excellency the copy of the correspondence between General Washington and me on that subject, and the terms of the capitulation agreed upon. I sincerely lament that better could not be obtained; but I have neglected nothing in my power to alleviate the misfortune and distress of both officers and soldiers. The men are well clothed and provided with necessaries, and I trust will be regularly supplied by the means of the officers that are permitted to remain with them. The treatment, in general, that we have received from the enemy since our surrender, has been perfectly good and proper: But the kindness and attention that has been shewed to us by the French officers in particular, their delicate sensibility of our situation, their generous and pressing offer of money, both public and private, to any amount, has really gone beyond what I can possibly describe, and will, I hope, make an impression on the breast of every officer, when ever the fortune of war should put any of them into our power.
[p432] Although the event has been so unfortunate, the patience of the soldiers in bearing the greatest fatigues, and their firmness and intrepidity under a persevering fire of shot and shells, that I believe has not often been exceeded, deserved the highest admiration and praise: A successful defence, however, in our situation was, perhaps, impossible; for the place could only be reckoned an intrenched camp, subject in most places to enfilade, and the ground, in general, so disadvantageous, that nothing by the necessity of fortifying it as a post to protect the navy, could have induced any person to erect works upon it. Our force diminished daily by sickness and other losses, and was reduced when we offered to capitulate, on this side, to little more than three thousand two hundred rank and file fit for duty, including officers' servants and artificers; and at Gloucester, about six hundred, including cavalry. The enemy's army consisted of upwards of eight thousand French, nearly as many continentals, and five thousand militia. They brought an immense train of heavy artillery, most amply furnished with ammunition, and perfectly well manned.
The constant and universal chearfulness and spirit of the officers in all hardships and dangers deserve my warmest acknowledgments; and I have been particularly indebted to Brigadier-general O'Hara and Lieutenant-colonel Abercrombie, the former commanding on the right, and the latter on the left, for their attention and exertion on every occasion. The detachment of the 23d regiment and of the marines, in the redoubt on the right, commanded by Captain Apthorpe, and the subsequent detachments, commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Johnson, deserve particular commendation. Captain Rochfort, who commanded the artillery, and, indeed, every officer and soldier of that distinguished corps, and Lieutenant Sutherland, the commanding engineer, have merited in every respect my highest approbation: And I cannot sufficiently [p433] acknowledge my obligations to Captain Symonds, who commanded His Majesty's ships, and to the other officers and seamen of the navy, for their active and zealous co-operation.
I transmit returns of our killed and wounded; the loss of seamen and town's people was likewise considerable.
I trust your excellency will please to hasten the return of the Bonetta, after landing her passengers, in compliance with the article of capitulation.
Lieutenant-colonel Abercrombie will have the honour to deliver this dispatch, and is well qualified to explain to your excellency every particular relating to our past and present situation.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Copy of Earl Cornwallis' letter to General Washington, dated York, in Virginia, October 17th, 1781.
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.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
[p434] Copy of General Washington's letter to Earl Cornwallis, dated camp before York, 17th October, 1781.
My Lord,
I have had the honour of receiving your lordship's letter of this date.
An ardent desire to save the effusion of human blood will readily incline me to listen to such terms, for the surrender of your posts and garrisons at York and Gloucester, as are admissible.
I wish, previous to the meeting of the commissioners, that your lordship's proposals, in writing, may be sent to the American lines; for which purpose, a suspension of hostilities during two hours from the delivery of this letter will be granted.
I have the honour to be, &c.
G. WASHINGTON.
Copy of Earl Cornwallis's letter to General Washington, dated York, in Virginia, 17th October, 1781, half past four, P. M.
Sir,
I have this moment been honoured with your excellency's letter, dated
this day.
The time limited for sending my answer will not admit of entering into the detail of articles; but the basis of my proposals will be, that the garrisons of York and Gloucester shall be prisoners of war, [p435] with the customary honours; and, for the conveniency of the individuals which I have the honour to command, that the British shall be sent to Britain, and the Germans to Germany, under engagement not to serve against France, America, or their allies, until released, or regularly exchanged: That all arms and public stores shall be delivered up to you; but that the usual indulgence of side arms to officers, and of retaining private property, shall be granted to officers and soldiers: And that the interest of several individuals, in civil capacities and connected with us, shall be attended to.
If your excellency thinks that a continuance of the suspension of hostilities will be necessary to transmit your answer, I shall have no objection to the hour that you may propose.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Copy of General Washington's letter to Earl Cornwallis, dated camp before York, 18th October, 1781.
My Lord,
To avoid unnecessary discussions and delays, I shall at once, in answer
to your lordship's letter of yesterday, declare the general basis upon
which a definitive treaty of capitulation may take place.
The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the seamen, as you propose, shall be received prisoners of war. The condition annexed, of sending the British and German troops to the parts of Europe to which they respectively belong, is inadmissible: Instead of this, they will be marched to such parts of the country as can most conveniently [p436] provide for their subsistence; and the benevolent treatment of the prisoners, which is invariably observed by the Americans, will be extended to them. The same honours will be granted to the surrendering army as were granted to the garrison of Charles town.
The shipping and boats in the two harbours, with all their guns, stores, tackling, furniture, and apparel, shall be delivered in their present state to an officer of the navy appointed to take possession of them.
The artillery, arms, accoutrements, military chest, and public stores of every denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to the heads of the departments to which they respectively belong.
The officers shall be indulged in retaining their side arms; and the officers and soldiers may preserve their baggage and effects, with this reserve, that property taken in the country will be reclaimed.
With regard to the individuals in civil capacities, whose interest your lordship wishes may be attended to, until they are more particularly described, nothing definitive can be settled.
I have to add, that I expect the sick and wounded will be supplied with their own hospital stores, and be attended by British surgeons, particularly charged with the care of them.
Your lordship will be pleased to signify your determination, either to accept or reject the proposals now offered, in the course of two hours from the delivery of this letter, that commissioners may be appointed to digest the articles of capitulation, or a renewal of hostilities may take place.
I have the honour to be, &c.
G. WASHINGTON.
[p437] Copy of Earl Cornwallis' letter to General Washington, dated York, in Virginia, 18th October, 1781.
Sir,
I agree to open a treaty of capitulation upon the basis of the garrisons of
York and Gloucester, including seamen, being prisoners of war, without
annexing the condition of their being sent to Europe; but I expect to
receive a compensation in the articles of capitulation for the surrender of
Gloucester in its present state of defence.
I shall in particular desire, that the Bonetta sloop of war may be left entirely at my disposal, from the hour that the capitulation is signed, to receive an aid de camp to carry my dispatches to Sir Henry Clinton. Such soldiers as I may think proper to send as passengers in her, to be manned with fifty men of her own crew, and to be permitted to sail, without examination, when my dispatches are ready; engaging, on my part, that the ship shall be brought back and delivered to you, if she escapes the dangers of the sea; that the crew and soldiers shall be accounted for in future exchanges; that she shall carry off no officer without your consent, nor public property of any kind; and I shall likewise desire, that the traders and inhabitants may preserve their property, and that no person may be punished or molested for having joined the British troops.
If you chuse to proceed to negociation on these grounds, I shall appoint two field officers of my army to meet two officers from you, at any time and place that you think proper, to digest the articles of capitulation.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS.
Copy of the articles of capitulation, settled between His Excellency General Washington, commander in chief of the combined forces of America and France; his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, lieutenant general of the armies of the King of France, great cross of the royal and 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 Christian Majesty, commander of the order of St. Louis, commander in chief of the naval army of France in the Chesapeak, on the one part: And the Right Honourable Earl Cornwallis, lieutenant general of His Britannic Majesty's forces, commanding the garrisons of York and Gloucester and Thomas Symonds, Esquire, commanding His Britannic Majesty's naval forces in York river, in Virginia, on the other part.
ART. I. The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the officers
and seamen of His Britannic Majesty's ships, as well as other mariners,
to surrender themselves prisoners of war to the combined forces of
America and France. The land troops to remain prisoners to the United
States; the navy to the naval army of His Most Christian Majesty.
GRANTED.
ART. II. The artillery, arms, accoutrements, military chest, and
public stores of every denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to
the heads of departments appointed to receive them.
GRANTED.
[p439]
ART. III. At twelve o'clock this day the two redoubts on the left flank of
York to be delivered; the one to a detachment of American infantry; the
other to a detachment of French grenadiers.
GRANTED.
The garrison of York will march out to a place to be appointed in front of the posts, at two o'clock precisely, with shouldered arms, colours cased, and drums beating a British or German march. They are then to ground their arms, and return to their encampments, where they will remain until they are dispatched to the places of their destination. Two works on the Gloucester side will be delivered at one o'clock to a detachment of French and American troops appointed to possess them. The garrison will march out at three o'clock in the afternoon; the cavalry, with their swords drawn, trumpets sounding; and the infantry in the manner prescribed for the garrison of York. They are likewise to return to their encampments until they can be finally marched off.
ART. IV. Officers are to retain their side arms. Both officers and
soldiers to keep their private property of every kind, and no part of their
baggage or papers to be at any time subject to search or inspection. The
baggage and papers of officers and soldiers taken during the siege to be
likewise preserved for them.
GRANTED.
It is understood, that any property, obviously belonging to the inhabitants of these states, in the possession of the garrison, shall be subject to be reclaimed.
ART. V. The soldiers to be kept in Virginia, Maryland, or
Pennsylvania, and as much by regiments as possible, and supplied with
the
[p440]
same rations of provisions as are allowed to soldiers in the service of America.
A field officer from each nation, to wit, British, Anspach, and Hessian,
and other officers on parole, in the proportion of one to fifty men, to be
allowed to reside near their respective regiments, to visit them
frequently, and be witnesses of their treatment; and that their officers may
receive and deliver cloathing and other necessaries for them; for which
passports are to be granted when applied for.
GRANTED.
ART. VI. The general, staff, and other officers, not employed as
mentioned in the above articles, and who chuse it, to be permitted to go
on parole to Europe, to New York, or any other American maritime posts
at present in the possession of the British forces, at their own option, and
proper vessels to be granted by the Count de Grasse to carry them under
flags of truce to New York within ten days from this date, if possible,
and they to reside in a district, to be agreed upon hereafter, until they
embark.
The officers of the civil department of the army and navy to be
included in this article. Passports to go by land to be granted to those to
whom vessels cannot be furnished.
GRANTED.
ART. VII. Officers to be allowed to keep soldiers as servants,
according to the common practice of the service. Servants, not soldiers,
are not to be considered as prisoners, and are to be allowed to attend
their masters.
GRANTED.
ART. VIII. The Bonetta sloop of war to be equipped, and navigated by its present captain and crew, and left entirely at the disposal [p441] of Lord Cornwallis from the hour that the capitulation is signed, to receive an aid-de-camp to carry dispatches to Sir Henry Clinton; and such soldiers as he may think proper to send to New York, to be permitted to sail without examination, when his dispatches are ready. His lordship engages, on his part, that the ship shall be delivered to the order of the Count de Grasse, if she escapes the dangers of the sea; that she shall not carry off any public stores. Any part of the crew that may be deficient on her return, and the soldiers passengers, to be accounted for on her delivery.
ART. IX. The traders are to preserve their property, and to be
allowed three months to dispose of or remove them; and those traders are
not to be considered as prisoners of war.
The traders will be allowed to dispose of their effects, the allied army
having the right of pre-emption.
The traders to be considered as prisoners of war upon parole.
ART. X. Natives or inhabitants of different parts of this country, at
present in York or Gloucester, are not to be punished on account of
having joined the British army.
This article cannot be assented to, being altogether of civil resort.
ART. XI. Proper hospitals to be furnished for the sick and wounded.
They are to be attended by their own surgeons on parole; and they are to
be furnished with medicines and stores from the American
hospitals.
The hospital stores now in York
and Gloucester shall be delivered for the use of the British sick and
wounded. Passports will be granted for procuring them farther supplies
from New York, as occasion may require; and proper hospitals will be
furnished for the reception of the sick and wounded of the two garrisons.
[p442]
ART. XII. Waggons to be furnished to carry the baggage of the officers
attending the soldiers, and to surgeons when travelling on account of the
sick, attending the hospitals at public expence.
They are to be furnished if possible.
ART. XIII. The shipping and boats in the two harbours, with all
their stores, guns, tackling, and apparel, shall be delivered up in their
present state to an officer of the navy appointed to take possession of
them, previously unloading the private property, part of which had been
on board for security during the siege.
GRANTED.
ART. XIV. No article of capitulation to be infringed on pretence of
reprisals; and if there be any doubtful expressions in it, they are to be
interpreted according to the common meaning and acceptation of the
words.
GRANTED.
Done at York town, in Virginia, October 19,
1781.
CORNWALLIS.
THOMAS SYMONDS.
Done in the trenches before York town, in
Virginia, October 19, 1781.
G. WASHINGTON.
Le Comte de ROCHAMBEAU.
Le Comte de BARRAS, en mon
nom & celui du Comte de Grasse.
[p443] (N O T E Z.)
Extracts. -- From the journal of the operations of the French corps under the command of the Count de Rochambeau.
On the 14th of (a.) September, General Washington, myself, and the Chevalier de Chatteleux, arrived at Williamsburgh, where we found the Marquis de la Fayette, in conjunction with the Count de St. Simon, who had taken an excellent position, waiting for us. After all the most inquieting news we had received on the route, of the appearance of the enemy's fleet, the departure of that of Count de Grasse, of an engagement on the 5th of September, the appearance of two English frigates in the bay, we at length received, on the night of the 14th, by a letter from Count de Grasse, a circumstantial account of the following facts: Admiral Hood had joined, on the 28th of August, Admiral Graves' squadron before New York; they both sailed the 31st to Chesapeak bay, at the instant our movement by land towards Philadelphia had been discovered. The English squadron, consisting of twenty ships, arrived the 5th at Cape Charles, intending to get the start of Count de Grasse; the latter, having then fifteen hundred men in his chaloups, which had debarked the troops of Count de St. Simon, and were not returned, without hesitation cut his cables, and went to engage the enemy with twenty-four ships, leaving the rest to blockade Lord Cornwallis in the rivers of York and James: The Count de Grasse having pursued some time, returned on the 11th into the bay, where he found the squadron of Count de Barras, which sailed the 25th of August from Newport, with ten transports, having on board our siege artillery, and entered the bay on the 10th of September in good condition. The two English frigates, being between the two squadrons, [p444] were taken. Immediately the ten transports of the Count de Barras, the frigates, and the prizes of Count de Grasse, were detached to carry our troops to Annapolis, under the orders of the Sieur de Willebrune, commander of the Romulus, who, with the Baron Viomenil, used such expedition, that they arrived on the 25th in Williamsburgh (b.) creek, where they disembarked the army on the 26th and 27th. On the 28th (c.) the allied army marched from Williamsburgh at break of day for York town, and the French corps of seven thousand men began the investment from the head of York river to the morass near Colonel Nelson's house, taking advantage of the woods, creeks, &c., in such a manner, as to block up the enemy within pistol shot of their works; the three French brigades marked out the ground, and encamped securely from the enemy's cannon. The Baron de Viomenil commanded the grenadiers and chasseurs of the army as the van guard. On the 29th the American army passed the morass, and the investment of York town became complete, and was quite blocked up. The infantry of Lauzun being debarked on the 23d, marched under the Duke de Lauzun to rejoin their cavalry, which had marched by land into Gloucester county, under Brigadier-general de Wieden, who commanded there a body of twelve hundred American militia. The whole legion was joined there on the 28th, the day of the investment of York town. On the night between the 29th and 30th, the enemy, fearing to be insulted in the confined position which they had fortified, abandoned all their posts.
We employed the 30th in lodging ourselves in the abandoned works, which enabled us to block up the enemy in a circle of very little extent, and gave us great (d.) advantage. On the 3d of October the Sieur de Choisy [(e.)] marched to block up Gloucester, and take a position at three miles distance from that place.
Extracts. -- From the journal of the operations of the fleet under Count de Grasse.
The 5th of August the fleet weighed anchor from St. Domingo, and on the 30th arrived in the bay of Chesapeak. The dispatches of Generals Washington and Rochambeau, received by the Count de Grasse, informed him of the situation of their army, and the success which the British arms had obtained in Virginia and Maryland. The frigate Concorde, by which this intelligence had been conveyed, was sent back to acquaint the above generals that the French fleet was arrived off Cape Henry.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the following corps, from the 28th of September to the 19th of October, 1781.
Royal artillery. 24 rank and file killed; 21 ditto wounded; 2 ditto missing.
Guards. 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, 21 rank and file, wounded.
Light infantry. 1 lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 24 rank and file, killed; 3 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 51 rank and file, wounded.
17th regiment. 1 drummer killed; 1 serjeant, 6 rank and file, wounded.
[p446] 23d regiment. 2 lieutenants, 1 serjeant, 8 rank and file, killed; 3 serjeants, 2 drummers, 15 rank and file, wounded.
33d regiment. 1 captain, 7 rank and file, killed; 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 10 rank and file, wounded; 1 subaltern, 7 rank and file, missing.
43d regiment. 1 serjeant, 9 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 16 rank and file, wounded; 1 captain, 11 rank and file, missing.
71st regiment. 1 lieutenant, 9 rank and file, killed; 3 drummers, 19 rank and file, wounded; 1 major, 10 rank and file, missing.
76th regiment. 1 drummer, 5 rank and file, killed; 1 lieutenant, 4 rank and file, wounded.
80th regiment. 1 rank and file killed; 11 ditto wounded; 1 captain, 9 rank and file, missing.
Two battalions Anspach. 1 serjeant, 11 rank and file, killed; 4 serjeants, 30 rank and file, wounded.
Prince Hereditaire. 2 serjeants, 2 drummers, 19 rank and file, killed; 7 serjeants, 1 drummer, 49 rank and file, wounded; 2 serjeants, 14 rank and file, missing.
Regiment de Bose. 1 captain, 4 serjeants, 13 rank and file, killed; 1 ensign, 4 serjeants, 3 drummers, 32 rank and file, wounded; 1 serjeant, 10 rank and file, missing.
Total. 2 captains, 4 lieutenants, 13 serjeants, 4 drummers, 133 rank and file, killed; 5 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 24 serjeants, 11 drummers, 285 rank and file, wounded; 1 major, 2 captains, 1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 63 rank and file, missing.
Rank and names of officers in the above return.
Hon. Major Cochrane, acting aid-de-camp to Earl Cornwallis, killed.
[p447] Light infantry. Lieutenant Campbell, 74th company, killed; Lieutenant Lyster, 63d ditto, wounded, since dead; Lieutenant Dunn, 63d ditto, wounded, since dead; Lieutenant Lightburne, 37th ditto, wounded.
23d regiment. Lieutenants Mair and Guyon killed.
33d regiment. Captain Kerr killed, Lieutenant Carson wounded.
71st regiment. Lieutenant Fraser killed.
76th regiment. Lieutenant Robertson wounded.
Captain Rall killed, Ensign Sprangenberg wounded.
Commissary Perkins killed.
J. DESPARD,
Dep. Adj. Gen.
Extract of a letter from General Washington, dated head quarters, near York, October 27, 1781.
Sir,
I do myself the honour to enclose to your excellency, copies of returns of
prisoners, artillery, arms, ordnance, and other stores, surrendered by the
enemy in their posts of York and Gloucester, on the 19th instant, which
were not completed at the time of my last dispatches, and but this
moment handed to me: A draft of these posts, with the plan of attack and
defense, is also transmitted; and twenty-four standards, taken at the same
time, are ready to be laid before Congress.
[p448] My present dispatches being important, I have committed them to the care of Colonel Humphry, one of my aid-de-camps, whom, for his attention, fidelity, and good services, I beg leave to recommend to Congress, and to your excellency.
General return of officers and privates surrendered prisoners of war, the 19th of October, 1781, to the allied army, under the command of General Washington, taken from the original muster rolls.
General and staff. 1 lieutenant general, 1 brigadier general, 1 lieutenant colonel, and 2 majors, 5 captains, 2 lieutenants, 2 chaplains, 1 town major, 1 commissary of prisoners, 1 assistant quarter master, 1 surgeon and field inspector, 3 surgeons, 10 mates, 2 purveyors, 4 stewards, 2 ward masters, 19 assistants, 2 carpenters, 5 deputy commissaries, 1 deputy commissary of forage, 5 assistant commissaries, 3 issuers, 2 coopers, 1 labourer. Total, 79.
Artillery. 2 captains, 9 lieutenants, 1 surgeon, 1 mate, 1 serjeant, 4 drums, 193 rank and file, 1 commissary of military stores, 9 conductors, 5 conductors of horse, 16 artificers. Total, 232.
Guards. 3 lieutenant colonels, 12 captains, 1 ensign, 2 adjutants, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 3 mates, 25 serjeants, 21 drums, 467 rank and file. Total, 527.
Light infantry. 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 10 captains, 16 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 2 surgeons, 33 serjeants, 13 drums, 594 rank and file. Total, 671.
17th regiment. 1 lieutenant colonel, 3 captains, 8 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 1 surgeon, 9 serjeants, 13 drums, 205 rank and file. Total, 245.
23d regiment. 3 captains, 6 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 1 surgeon, 1 mate, 16 serjeants, 205 rank and file. Total, 233.
[p449] 33d regiment. 1 lieutenant colonel, 3 captains, 5 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 surgeon, 25 serjeants, 9 drums, 225 rank and file. Total, 260.
43d regiment. 1 major, 3 captains, 5 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 22 serjeants, 16 drums, 307 rank and file. Total, 359.
71st regiment. 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 1 captain, 11 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 1 mate, 28 serjeants, 2 drums, 242 rank and file. Total, 300.
76th regiment. 1 major, 6 captains, 16 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 1 mate, 38 serjeants, 18 drums, 628 rank and file. Total, 715.
80th regiment. 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 majors, 5 captains, 17 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 1 mate, 49 serjeants, 20 drums, 588 rank and file. Total, 689.
Two battalions of Anspach. 2 colonels, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 8 captains, 32 lieutenants, 1 chaplain, 2 quarter masters, 2 surgeons, 20 mates, 32 serjeants, 25 drums, 948 rank and file, 1 waggon master, 8 waggoners, 2 provosts marshall, 1 assistant. Total, 1077.
Prince Hereditary. 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 5 captains, 5 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 1 chaplain, 1 quarter master, 4 surgeon's mates, 19 serjeants, 11 drums, 425 rank and file, 6 waggoners, 1 provost marshall. Total, 484.
Regiment de Bose. 2 majors, 5 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter master, 1 surgeon, 3 mates, 46 serjeants, 16 drums, 271 rank and file, 1 provost marshall. Total, 349.
Yagers. 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, 1 surgeon, 1 trumpet, 68 rank and file. Total, 74.
[p450] British legion. 1 lieutenant colonel, 6 captains, 8 lieutenants, 3 cornets, 6 quarter masters, 1 surgeon, 17 serjeants, 7 trumpeters, 192 rank and file. Total, 241.
Queen's rangers. 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 10 captains, 15 lieutenants, 11 cornets, 3 quarter masters, 2 surgeons, 24 serjeants, 5 trumpeters, 248 rank and file. Total, 320.
North-Carolina volunteers. 1 lieutenant colonel, 5 captains, 7 lieutenants, 8 ensigns, 7 serjeants, 114 rank and file. Total 142.
Pioneers. 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, 4 serjeants, 33 rank and file. Total, 44.
Engineers. 2 lieutenants. -- Loyal foresters. 2 captains, 1 lieutenant, 2 rank and file. -- Third New-Jersey volunteers. 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 rank and file. -- New-York volunteers. 1 captain, 1 ensign, 1 rank and file. -- Virginia volunteers. 1 captain, 1 rank and file. King's American regiment. 1 lieutenant, 1 rank and file. -- General Delancey's battalion. 2 ensigns, 2 rank and file. --- North-Carolina independent company. 1 ensign, 1 rank and file. Total, 23.
Taken on the 14th and 16th of October. 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 majors, 2 captains, 1 ensign, 2 serjeants, 70 rank and file. Total, 84.
Total. 1 lieutenant general, 1 brigadier general, 2 colonels, 14 lieutenant colonels, 16 majors, 97 captains, 180 lieutenants, 55 ensigns, 4 chaplains, 6 adjutants, 18 quarter masters, 18 surgeons, 15 mates, 385 serjeants, 179 drums and trumpets, 6039 rank and file, 1 town major, 1 commissary of prisoners, 1 assistant quarter master. -- Hospital department. 1 surgeon and field inspector, 3 surgeons, 10 mates, 2 purveyors, 4 stewards, 2 ward masters, 19 assistants, 2 carpenters. -- Commissary department. 5 deputy commissaries, 1 deputy commissary of forage, 5 assistant commissaries, 2 clerks, 3 issuers, 2 coopers, 1 labourer, 1 commissary of military stores, 9 conductors, 5 conductors of horse, 16 artificers, 1 waggon master, 15 waggoners, 5 [p451] provost masters and assistants, 80 followers of the army. Amounting in the whole to 7247 men.
N. B. By an estimate collected by the adjutant general, the killed during the siege, including officers, amount, at least, to 309, and the deserters to 44.
(Signed.) THOMAS DURICK,
Dep. Com. Pris.
Military chest, £2113 pounds, 6s. sterling, dollars at 4s. 8d.
Return of ordnance and military stores taken at York and Gloucester, in Virginia, by the surrender of the British army, on the 19th of October, 1781.
Brass ordnance. Cannon on travelling carriages; 2 amusettes, 12 three-pounders, 1 of four, 12 of six, 1 of nine. -- Garrison carriages. 4 twelve-pounders, 3 of four, 3 of nine.
Howitzers on travelling carriages. 6 of five one-fifth inches, 3 of eight ditto; not mounted, 6 of eight inches.
Mortars. Mounted, 11 of four two-fifth inches, 7 of five one-half, 1 of sixteen; not mounted, 1 of four two-fifths, 3 of thirteen. Total, 75.
Iron ordnance. Cannon on garrison or ship carriages; 1 one-pounder, 3 of three, 8 of four, 30 of six, 42 of nine, 18 of twelve, 27 of eighteen; on travelling carriages, 1 of twenty-four. -- Carronades on ship carriages; 4 of seven, 27 of eighteen. -- Swivels, 6. Total, 69.
Cartridges. Flannel filled, for cannon; 20 for four-pounders, 278 for six, 18 for nine, 40 for twelve, 226 for twenty-four pounders. -- [p452] Mortars; 341 for four two-fifth inch, 386 for five one-half ditto, 33 for eight ditto. -- Howitzers; 87 for five one-half inch.
Paper filled, for cannon; 417 for three-pounders, 236 for four, 836 for six, 696 for nine, 870 for twelve, 900 for eighteen, 28 for twenty-four-pounders. -- Swivels, (howitzers) 185.
Flannel empty, for cannon; 193 for six-pounders, 260 for nine, 10 for twelve, 502 for eighteen, 7 for twenty-four-pounders. -- Howitzers; 93 for five one-half inch, 175 for eight ditto.
Paper empty, for cannon; 425 for four-pounders, 702 for six, 136 for nine, 502 for twelve, 53 for eighteen, 250 for twenty-four-pounders. -- Swivels, 2810.
Cylinders, nine-pounders, 380.
Shot. Round. Loose; 50 for three-pounders, 251 for four, 3965 for six, 1671 for nine, 1635 for twelve, 2927 for eighteen, 750 for twenty-four-pounders; fixed with flannel for cartridges, 676 for three, 530 for six-pounders, strapped without cartridges, 676 for three-pounders, 520 for six, 782 for twelve; 226 for twenty-four-pounders.
Case. Fixed with flannel cartridges, 278 for three-pounders, 83 for six ditto; without cartridges, 177 for three-pounders, 255 for five, 599 for nine, 817 for twelve, 48 for eighteen, 106 for twenty-four; howitzers, 315 for four two-fifths inch, 90 for five one-half ditto, 97 for eight ditto.
Bar; 17 for three-pounders, 33 for four, 24 for six, 100 for nine, 82 for eighteen, 86 for twenty-four.
Grape. Round. 51 for three-pounders, 52 for four, 220 for six, 212 for nine, 80 for eighteen, 86 for twenty-four; boxes of loose grape, 26; barrels of ditto, 1; rounds of langrel, 24.
Wads for cannon; 230 for four-pounders, 670 for six, 734 for nine, 635 for eighteen-pounders.
[p453] Shells. Fixed; 213 for four two-fifth inch; unfixed, 77 for five one-half inch, 150 for eight ditto, 25 for thirteen ditto. -- Carcases, eight-inch, 6, fixed; hand grenades fixed, 602.
Fuzes, fixed; 514 for five one-half inch, 20 for eight ditto.
Spunges, ladles, and wad hooks; 8 for one-pounder, 35 for three, 8 for four, 69 for six, 25 for nine, 33 for twelve, 23 for eighteen, 2 for twenty-four. Different sizes, without staves, 58.
Fire arms, &c. Muskets, with bayonets, 5743; without bayonets, 915; 1136 damaged; carbines, 31; fuzees, 32; pistols, 137; brass blunderbusses, 11; iron ditto, 9; bayonets, 688; bayonet scabbards, 1140; bayonet belts, 1777; cartridge boxes, 6444; tin cannisters, 800; pouches for yagers, 350; gres. match pipes, 86; musket cartridges, fixed with ball, 266,274; 83 barrels, and 89 half-barrels of powder; sabres, 1925; ditto damaged, 100; horseman's swords, 273; halberts, 32; ditto damaged, 14; pikes, 210.
Regiments standards. German, 18; British, 6; British union flags, 4.
Camp colours. German, 32; British, 41.
Drums, good, 32; damaged, 19; drum slings, 18; fife cases, 10; fife slings, 7; trumpet, 1; bugle horns, 18; French horns, 5.
Musket balls, 29 boxes, 100 lb. each; lead in pieces, 130 lb.; musket flints, 34,200.
Slow match, 4245 lb.; fire balls, 28; fire rings, 12; sulphur, 50 lb.; saltpetre, 50 lb.; flax, 7 lb.; spelter, 2 lb.; emery, 4 lb.; kitt, 32 lb.; meal powder, 3 lb.; junk, 600 lb.; of one-inch rope, 1 coil; two-inch, ditto 2; two-and-half, ditto 3; three-inch, 2; four and eight-inch, 1 coil each.
8 Lanterns, viz. 3 tin, 1 horn, and 4 dark.
Signal rockets, 36; tubes of sizes, 6705; tube boxes, 62; portfires, 787; port-fire stocks, 28; lint stokes, 16; lead aprons, 90; [p454] steel spikes, 80; powder horns, 260; shell scrapers, 8; kitt brushes, 5; hand bellows, 2; sets for fuzes, 7; kitt ladles, 6; fuze engines, 2; cannon haversacks, 30; powder bags, 23; oil cloths, 7; hair cloth, 1; budge barrels, punches for cannon, 12; large brass calipers, 2; shot gauges, 2 sets; elevating screws, 2; priming wires, 26.
Apparatus for hot shot, 1; sets of brass scales and weights, 3; copper funnels, 4; power flasks, 4; copper powder measures, 29 sets; 21 reams of musket cartridge paper, 11 hanks of marline, catgut, and twine, 21 hammers, 1 pair of pincers, 33 tenant, hand, whip, and cross-cut saws, 4 mallets, 5 rasps, 3 paring and drawing knives, 1 cooper's adze, 2 drifts, 15 axes, 4 pickaxes, 29 hatchets, 26 tomahawks, 12 spades, 63 crow bars, 143 hand spikes, 2 shears for iron, 2 gins, with falls and blocks complete; 6 brass shears for tackle blocks, 44 tackle falls and blocks, 2 casks of nails, 36 bars of steels, 7 sheets of iron, 921 brass hoops, 22 sets of drag ropes, 50 sets of men's harness, 60 dressed calf's skins, 22 hides of tanned leather, 2 boxes of combustibles for fire ships, 2 kegs of tallow, 9 ammunition waggons, 4 powder carts, 39 cart saddles, 200 collars, 234 hems, 215 bridles, 123 pair of trace chains, 33 brich bands, 73 cruppers, 10 laboratory chests.
4 chests with tools for saddlers, carpenters, coopers, and blacksmiths.
(Signed) H. KNOX,
Commanding the artillery of
the United States.
[p455] Return of waggons, horses, and stores, delivered by the quarter master, and found in York and Gloucester.
Forty-three waggons, with horses and harness, 40 ditto, without harness, broken, 260 horses, 339 saddles, 88 blind bridles, 15 collars, 30 breech bands, 18 back bands, 18 belly bands, 18 sides harness, 4 calf skins, 2 dozen of bridle bits, 3 pair of smith's bellows, 3 sets of collar and harness-maker's tools.
4 Anvils, and tools for 3 blacksmiths.
4 Sets of carpenter's tools, old and rusty, 57 French saddles, 40 French bridles, 150 lb. tent cord, 14 balls spun yarn, 3 pieces girt web, 1 hemp hackel, 1 cask tent pins and hatchets, 60 cross-cut saws, and some carpenters' and coopers' adzes, 20 files, 20 chissels, 20 small hammers, 5 lb. lamp black, 100 waggon boxes, 100 lb. twine, a ton of oakum, 3 ton hemp, 9 bolts sail duck, 29 casks nails assorted, 3 tons iron, a quantity of sails and rigging, 1 barrel turpentine, 2 and half barrels tar, 4 grinding stones, 9 kegs paint, 3 jars oil, 2 boxes window glass, about 1000 sand bags, 4 ton coals, and a few planks, 500 bushels corn, 62 ditto meal, 23 boxes candles, 400 sheets, 68 pillow cases, 300 bed cases, 70 old blankets, 2 old rugs, 3 stoves, 182 narrow axes, 4 iron pots, 100 knapsacks and haversacks, 150 soldiers coats, 100 pair of breeches, 70 pair trowsers, 70 sailors jackets, 613 groce buttons, 5 lb. thread, 15 pair shoes, 1 marquee, 450 soldiers tents, 200 shovels, spades, and picks.
(Signed) T. PICKERING, Q.M.G.
[p456] A return of clothing taken in the towns of York and Gloucester, the 19th of October, 1781.
One hundred and eighty-seven coats, 126 woollen breeches, 16 pair shoes, 116 hats, 70 blankets, 170 linen overalls, 153 Scotch bonnets, 108 leather stocks, 279 bed cases, 154 pillow cases, 436 sheets, 150 sailors jackets.
Clothing received from Captain Girlock, October 26, 1781, and acknowledged to be British clothing, subject to the articles of capitulation.
Two hundred and eight-three coats, 241 breeches, 25 hats, 19 caps, 12 yards buff cloth, 20 yards red cloth, 71 and half yards ozenbrigs, 24 packing sheets.
Clothing received from Captain Girlock, deputy quarter master, October 26, 1781, who was in a cartel vessel in York river, and whose effects, in consequence of his violation of the right of flags, were adjudged to be forfeited, and were consequently seized for the public use.
Seventy-seven uniforms for non-commissioned officers, 17 ditto drummers, 420 ditto privates, 62 ditto servants, 537 pieces linen, 27 ditto ribband, 899 and half ells blue cloth, 436 ditto white cloth, 763 ditto red flannel, 1860 ditto ribband, 170 hats, 7 caps, 35 woollen breeches, 1100 pair hose, 1348 pair shoes, 68 shirts, 1030 black stocks, 55 pair leather gloves, 171 and half dozen buttons, 40 pounds thread, 10 and a half hides tanned leather; 3 chests, contents unknown, 2 bales sole leather, 1 bale red flannel.
(Signed) D. AMERMAN,
A. to the C. G.
[p457] Return of the provisions and stores in the ports of York and Gloucester.
Two hundred and sixty-seven barrels of flour, weight 73,280 lb.; 520 bags of bread, 59,600 lb.; 96 barrels of beef, 20,190 lb.; 365 barrels of pork, 75,750 lb.; 361 firkins of butter, 19,870 lb.; 5 casks of oatmeal, 1190 lb.; 597 barrels pease, quantity 29,895 bushels; 13 casks liquors, 1250 gallons; 16 bags coffee, 2500 lb.; 20 bags cocoa, 3000 lb.; 50 bushels salt; 3 hogsheads sugar, 3000 lb.; 5 casks vinegar, 300 gallons; 3 jars oil, 9 gallons; 29 barrels rice, 1500 lb.; 1 cask raisins.
(Signed) THO. JONES, D. C. issues.
JACOB WEED, A. C. issues.
AD. DOLMAGE, A. C. Br. army.
A list of vessels taken and destroyed at York, in Virginia.
Vessels of war. -- The Charon, 44 guns; Guadaloupe, 28; and Fowey. Bonetta, 24; Vulcan fire ship, 24.
Transports. -- Mackerel, Success; Providence, Captain Hunter, and Providence, Captain Barriman; Favourite, Harmony, Concord, Edborough, Selina, Ocean, Elizabeth, Diana, Emerald, Fidelity, Lord Mulgrave, Robert, Racehorse, Houston, Sally, Two Brothers, Present Succession, Shipwright, Horsington, Neptune, Lord Howe, Bellona, Andrews, General Reidesel, Tartar.
Vessels belonging to the army. -- Defiance, Formidable, Rambler, Spitfire, a considerable number of small sloops and schooners, and 12 or 15 gallies.
[p458] Private vessels. -- The Cochran, North Briton, Susanna, Arno; Enedert and Mathews, two Dutch prizes.
A privateer of 20 guns, quite new.
Besides many other vessels sunk, and a great number of shallops and schooners.
The naval prisoners, exclusive of those belonging to the private transports and other vessels, are 840.
Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec.
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