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First Phase

PHASE ONE, PART ONE: LAFAYETTE ENTERS VIRGINIA and CONFRONTS SITUTATION of ARNOLD and PHILLIPS

21 April 1781 Lafayette crossed the Potomac into Virginia, and arrived at Alexandria. Phillips' force was joined by Arnold's units as they passed Westover on the James, en route toward Petersburg and Richmond. Meanwhile in the Carolinias: It was about this date that Cornwallis, at Wilmington, NC, decided to go to Virginia. His position in North Carolina was hopless in obtaining popular support and a return to South Carolina would give an impression of a falied campaign. Joining up with the agressive British raiders in Virginia offered new promise. 25 April 1781 Lafayette arrived at Fredericksburg. Meanwhile in the Carolinias: Cornwallis began his march from Willimington. Departure of his army extended until 29 April. 25 April 1781 'Battle of Petersburg' took place at Blandford (about a mile east of Petersburg). Roughly 2,300 British defeated about 1,000 militia under Steuben and Mulenberg in a late afternoon battle where British artillery contributed significantly to the outcome. The pursuit continued to Chesterfield County CH. British occupied Petersburg.

PHASE ONE, PART TWO: LAFAYETTE MANEUVERS vs PHILLIPS and ARNOLD

27 April Arnold routed a flotilia [about 20 ships] at Osborne (on James River), and rejoined Phillips. 28 April Arnold and Phillips burn Chesterfield CH. 29 April After a full day's forced-march, Lafayette arrived at Richmond with about 1,200 Continentals in the evening. The town had only a small corps of militia under General Thomas Nelson. 30 April In the morning, British forces under Phillips and Arnold reached Manchester, across the River from Richmond. They suspected that von Steuben, with some more militia, would soon join Lafayette in the city. The British decided not to force the issue. In the evening the British returned to Osborne's, and then continued further down the James River. Lafayette and von Steuben 'celebrated victory' with a grand review of their New England regulars and Virginia militia. Suspecting that Phillips might go to Williamsburg, Lafayette directed Nelson's militia to go to Williamsburg. Brig. Gen. Weedon was sent with his militia corps to Fredericksburg. Early May Lafayette moved to Bottom's Bridge (16 miles from Richmond), across the Chickahominy River to a position closer to Wiliamsburg, Fredericksburg and to the vicinity of Jamestown, where Phillips was camped. Lafayette's wagon train finally arrived, along with dispatches from the northern headquarters [at New Windsor]. Washington invited Lafayette to return to NY if he preferred. Lafayette stayed. 7 May Phillips was taking his forces towards the mouth of the James when he received Cornwallis' instructions to meet Cornwallis at Petersburg. Phillips turned about and headed up river. On 8 May, Phillips landed at Brandon and marched to Petersburg. 8 May Lafayette crossed to the south bank of the James River and marched toward Petersburg. Approaching that town on 10 May. Meanwhile in the Carolinias: Greene enjoyed 'a good exchange' near Camden, at Hobkirk's Hill, SC (25 April). Lord Rawdon abandoned Camden 10 May. Greene gave Lafayette independent command in Viriginia. 10 May As he approached Petersburg, Lafayette discovered the British had already beat him there. There is no evidence that Lafayette entered Petersburg temporarly before he withdrew to the north of Osborne's. We wrote to Steuben from Osborne's on 10 May. Later, Lafayette returned to Richmond area -- around Kingsland Ferry and Wilton, on the north side of the river. Lafayette was expecting to be reinforced by General Wayne's rifle corps. However, Wayne experienced a series of problems mobilizing as well as confronting a mutiny. Fortunately, Phillips and Arnold believed that Wayne had already joined Lafayette, and they were cautious in moving against the marquis. Cornwallis' army began entering Virginia. 13 May Phillips died of fever and was buried at Petersburg. Arnold took temporary command of the British force in Virginia, but Lafayette refused to exchange communications with the tratior. 20 May Cornwallis joined Arnold at Petersburg. Cornwallis arrived with 1,500, [there may have been 5,305 under Arnold] and on 20 May received reinforcements from Clinton, to have a total strength of 7,200. Lafayette reorganized his corps. His strength at this time is estimated to be about 900 to 1,000 Continentals, 2 brigades of militia under Mulenburg and Nelson [numbering between 1,200 and 2,000], about 40 cavalrymen [dragoons that remained of Armand's Legion, and some volunteer horsemen under John Mercer and Nicholas Moore], and 6 pieces of artillery. The militia presented a serious problem as many were constantly coming and going. 22 May Meanwhile, at Wethersfield, CT, Conference: Washington and Rochambeau met to plan a combined campaign. It was agreed that the British position at New York would be the primary objective, but that other options (such as deploying to the South) would be considered if the situtation and circumstances warranted.

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Second Phase

PHASE TWO: CORNWALLIS CHASES LAFAYETTE

23 May Tarleton raided Chesterfield County CH, in a rainstorm that prevented the militia guards from firing their weapons; they were captured. 24-26 May Cornwallis marched from Petersburg to Westover, and remained until 26 May. During this period, Gen. Leslie arrived with British reinforcements from New York. Leslie was then sent to command a defense of Portsmouth. Arnold departed back up north. British strength is estimated to be at 7,000 after reinforcements from NY. [If this is so, it seems the reinforcements merely made up for attrition due to sickness etc. Cornwallis' dispatches did complain of the high rate of illness in his forces.] 24 May Date of Lafayette's letter to Washington saying that he is "not strong enough even to get beaten." His force is estimated to have been about 3,000, with most being militia. 27 May Lafayette abandoned Richmond and withdrew northwest. He camped between Allen's Creek and Gold Mine Creek [Winston's Bridge?] Cornwallis moved to White Oak Swamp on 27 May. 27-30 May British raided Chesterfield County, destroyed bridge at City Point, and crossed the James River below Richmond at Westover. 28 May Steuben went to Point of Fork to defend the American military depot. Lafayette fell back north as Cornwallis moved toward the Pamunkey. Lafayette's general scheme was to keep himself between Cornwallis' much larger force and a line of communications to the north, from which direction Wayne's forces would eventually arrive. Cornwallis went to New Castle [Old Church, today], with the obvious intention to get behind Lafayette's line of communications. 29-30 May Lafayette at Dandridge's. 30 May Cornwallis reached Hanover County CH on the North Anna River, but Lafayette stayed ahead of him, and arrived at Anderson's Bridge. 31 May Lafayette reached Mattaponi Church. 1 June Cornwallis, after making an excursion to Aylett's, re crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge. He reached Cook's Ford on the North Anna River and stopped. He became aware that Wayne's force was getting close to joining up with Lafayette. Cornwallis decided to stop chasing Lafayette. 2 June Lafayette reached Corbin's Bridge. He learned of the Briitsh evacuation of Camden, and the fall of Fort Motte, Orangeburg and Fort Granby. He received Greene's dispatch, dated 16 May, that informed Lafayette of von Steuben's new orders to stay in Virginia. Unfortunately Greene's instructions to von Steuben to this effect were intercepted and the Prussian remained in doubt for some time as to his line of command status. Von Steuben would not learn until 12 June that he had been ordered to stay in Virginia, and be under Lafayette's command. Lafayette was sensitive to von Steuben's feelings, and never pushed the matter, though he was not fully aware of von Steuben misunderstanding.

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Third Phase

CORNWALLIS RAIDS to the WEST

3 June Cornwallis sent Tarleton on a raid to Monticello to capture Thomas Jefferson, and then to Charlottesville to capture some legislators. Tarleton had 70 mounted infantry and 180 dragoons [recruited since Cowpens]. John Jouett rode during the night (of 3-4 Jun) to warn Jefferson at Monticello, and then on to alert Charlottesville of Tarleton's mission. Cornwallis sent Simcoe's loyalist legion, the Queen's Rangers (300 men) to attack Point of Fork. [See 6 June]. Cornwallis took his main army through Goochland CH to destroy supples stored there. 4 June Tarleton missed Jefferson at Monticello, but managed to capture seven members of the legislature and some officers at Charlottesville. The governor and the assembly barely escaped to Staunton, where they set up a new capital roughly 32 miles west of Charlottesville. 4 June Lafayette crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford. He headed west to Culpeper Church (about 20 miles farther upland on the Rapidan -- an off shoot of the Rappahannock River. 6 June Lafayette crossed to the south bank of the Rapidan at Raccon Ford. Cornwallis continued his march southwest, crossing Ground Squirrel bridge, to Elk Hill. 5-6 June Simcoe raided Point of Fork, form which Steuben retreated, and Simcoe destroyed the American miliary stores there. Stuben was alerted 3 June, but proceeded to relocate stores rather than prepare a defense of the depot. Steuben had about 500 men, many new levies and some militia. He did not expect to have a good chance against a possible attack by Cornwallis' full army. Simcoe had about 200 infantry and 100 cavalry, with a 3-pdr, and was able to fake the appearance of a larger force. The Americans evacuated during the night of 6 June, leaving ten pieces of ordnance and considerable arms and powder. Steuben retreated into North Carolina. 7 June Cornwallis arrived at Elk Hill (mouth of Byrd Creek) near Point of Fork. Simcoe, Tarleton, Cornwallis and the main British army camp at Elk Hill until 14 June. 8 June Wayne crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford, en route to join Lafayette. 10 June Wayne [with about 800 Continentals] joined Lafayette after crossing the North Anna River at Brock's Bridge. This brought Cornwallis' and Lafayette's strengths near to equal numbers. 11 June Lafayette crossed Boswell's (Mumford's and also known as 'Boswell's Tavern', now a village of that name). Lafayette remained there the night. 12 June Lafayette's militia knew of an abandoned back road which many perceived as impassable. By cutting their way through somes sections, his light infantry managed to reach Mechunk Creek, a branch of the Rivanna River in 2 days. [The road has since been called 'The Marquis Road']. Lafayette set up camp at Mechunk Creek, and was joined by some 600 Virginia militia under William Campbell. The location of the camp and the added forces suprised Cornwallis, and discouraged his further ventures towards Charlottsville or Staunton. However, the British raids effectively undermined the credibility of leadrship in Virignia. On 12 June, the legislature elected Thomas Nelson to succeed Jefferson as governor. Jefferson's term had expired 4 June. Cornwallis recalled Tarleton, and decided not to push toward the American depot at Albemarle CH. He also did not want to initiate an attack on the recently enlarged American force. Lafayette's position was reconnoitered by Tarleton, leading to some small skirmishes.

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Fourth Phase

LAFAYETTE SHADOWS CORNWALLIS

14-15 June Cornwallis began to withdraw to the east by 14 June. Lafayette left camp at Mechunk Creek, followed British at a distance. Now with almost 4,000 men, Lafayette was seeking an advantagous occasion to engaged Cornwallis. 16-19 June Lafayette remained at Col Dandridge's house, near Allen's Creek. Von Steuben, now fully aware that he is to serve under Lafayette, joined him. [Around this time, Washington's letter to Lafayette was intercepted. It, along with another to General Sullivan, contained information of the decision made at Wethersfield that made New York City the primary allied objective.] 18 June (on or about) Cornwallis reached Richmond with his main army. Tarleton's dragoons and Simcoe's jagers went to Williamsburg. Over the next several weeks, there were occasional skirmishes between American militia with Tarleton's reconnaissance patrols. 20 June Cornwallis departed Richmond, crossed Chickhominy River at Bottom's Bridge and marched towards Williamsburg. 23 June Cornwallis took his army across Bottom's Bridge and went to New Kent CH. 24 June Cornwallis, en route to Williamsburg, stopped at Bird's Tavern. 25 June Cornwallis reached Williamsburg. He received instructions from Clinton for half of his force to be sent to assist in the defense of New York. Lafayette informed Washington of Cornwallis' movement to Williamsburg. Washington received this prior to 13 July. 25 July Lafayette at Bird's Tavern (near New Kent CH). Butler's van took positon at Spencer's Ordinary. 26 June A relativley small engagement took place at Spencer's Ordinary between Col Richard Butler [of the PA Line] and Maj William McPherson mounted infantry [50 dragoons] and Simcoe's force. Outnumbered British were reinforced by Cornwallis. Estimated 31 Americans were captured, 10 British were killed and 30 wounded. Lafayette was not present; he was at Rawson's Ordinary. 27 June Americans camped at Tryee's Plantation, 20 miles northwest of Williamsburg. 4 July As Lafayette's forces celebrated the Fourth, Cornwallis departed Williamsburg and began moving toward Jamestown. His intent was to cross the James River and, once on the southern shore, march to Portsmouth. From there he would embark the troops whom Clinton had requested be returned north. 5 July British moved to Chickahominy Church.

BATTLE of GREEN SPRING

Cornwalls knew that his intended crossing of the James River would be evident to Lafayette, and that it would tempt the marquis to take advantage of a vulnerable moment when the British force would be separated by the river's water. The seasoned British veteran saw a chance to teach the upstart Frenchman and his American rebels a lesson -- if not even delivering them a serious defeat. 5 July and morning of 6 July Cornwallis sent Semcoe's Queens Rangers and baggage over to Jamestown island, and then across the river by ferry. Lafayette brought his force up to the area of Green Spring 'plantation'. The British sent out some false 'deserters' with misinformation to reinforce the perception that only a rear guard remained on the north bank. Between Green Spring plantation and James Island, Cornwallis positioned a few outposts and screening formations to make it look like the expected rear-guard deployments of a withdrawing army. He concealed his main British army in the woods just north of James Island. 6 July It was all too temprting for Lafayette, who had been waiting for such a chance since being reinforced by Wayne, and then shadowing Cornwallis' movements back towards the east. Perceiving the false division of the British army, as Cornwallis had intended, Lafayette directed Wayne, with about 500 men, to advance upon what the Americans believed was only a small sized British rear guard positioned just southeast of Green Spring. Lafayette drew up about a third of his army close to the Green Spring plantation. He kept most of his militia several miles to the north, as he did not anticipate confronting a large enemy force. At about 1500 hours, Wayne's force of about 500 men advanced toward the southeast along a narrow causeway through a swamp area. Lafayette soon sent about 400 more men to join Wayne. Once across the causeway, Wayne deployed his troops. To his left flank [north] were the rifle 'corps' companies of Call and Wills, and McPherson's Light Horse troop (that included 'Armand's Legion and First Light Dragons). In the center were Graves Light Infantry, Massachusetts artillery (2 guns), Stewart's and Craig's Pennsylvanania battalions, and some Pennsylvanania artillery [with two 4-pounders). [Later, Maj Galvan's light Infantry Battalion joined.] On the left flank [south] were Gimat's and Butler's infantry battalions. As Wayne advanced forward, Lafayette conducted a personal reconnaissance. From an extension of land out into the river he was able to discover that a much larger than expected number of British forces remained on the northen shore. Realizing the real situtation, he rode to warn Wayne, but heard the sounds confirming that the battle had already been joined. It was about 1730 hours, as Wayne's left flank was advancing easily, that Galvan (from his center position) was allowed to rush forward upon an apparant abandoned British artillery site. The Americans were suprised when a considerable number of British emerged from the woods to defend their artillery. It was also at this time that Cornwallis realized he could not wait any longer to spring his trap. He had hoped to draw more Americans into his snare, but the day was getting late. By 1800 hours, Cornwallis launched his hidden, and much larger British force, in a broad frontal attack in the center. At the same time, another part of the British line began a movment, though the woods, to turn the left flank of Wayne's force on the southeast side of the causeway. Only about 2,000 of the much larger British army could be crowded into the constrainted battleground. Though he was too late to halt Wayne's attack, Lafayette quickly set up a line of his still uncommitted troops at the northwest end of the causeway for Wayne's troops to fall back upon. Though notified of this action, Wayne was confronted with having to break contact with the British that were pressing in. The American Continentals in the center began retreating as they were threatened of being enveloped, and the militia on the left was collapsing. Wayne directed a tactical response which marked the reputation of this otherwise small engagement. He directed a daring, short 'attack' that suprised British regulars, and temporarly blunted their assault. This effectivley prevented a dangerious disorganized retreat. Wayne's force was able to withdraw without the immediate press of British forces. The British soon had to discontinue their pursuit due to darkness. Such an attempt would have put the British at a disadvantage in crossing the narrow causeway and then confronting a large American force drawn up to give battle. It was not worth the risk. Cornwallis' trap almost worked, but his mission was to get to Portsmouth. He withdrew his force to Jamestown Island the night of 6 July. By 8 July, his army was fully across the James, and Lafayette moved to Jamestown. Lafayette was able to make considerable propaganda out of this battle -- after all, he 'occupied the battlefield'. However, the truth is that the Americans suffered about 139 [28k, 99w, 12m], (out of about 900 engaged) to the British 75 'total casualties' (out of 2,000+ engaged). 6 July Meanwhile north of New York City: French and American allied armies joined at White Plains.

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Fifth Phase

FINAL MANEUVERS and 'CHECKMATE'

7 or 8 July Lafayette occupied the James Island. Cornwallis was at Cobham in Surry County. 9 or 10 July Lafayette arrived at Williamsburg. 9-24 July Tarleton led an impressive 400 mile round-trip cavalry operation to Amelia CH, Prince Edward CH, and New London in Bedford County. He returned back through Dinwiddie CH and to Petersburg. During this raid, the legendary Peter Francisco fought with nine of Tarleton's men at Ward's Tavern. He killed two of the dragons and escaped. 10-17 July British marched to Suffolk, then on to Portsmouth. 13 July Meanwhile at the allied camp, north of New York City: Washington wrote to Lafayette that he would soon send an officer to communicate "matters of very great importance". [Appears that Lafayette received this around 1 August.] 20 July Cornwallis [at Portsmouth] received Clinton's dispatch [dated 11 July] that canceled the recall of troops, and directed Cornwallis to fortify Old Point Comfort at Hampton and to establish an outpost at Yorktown. However, Cornwallis' engineers determine that the soil at Old Fort Comfort was not suitable for fortifications. Cornwallis abandoned Portsmouth for Yorktown. [See 1 August] Lafayette is confused by Cornwallis' movements and divided his force: He bivouacked the main body of 2,200 at Malvern Hill (half way between Richmond and Williamsburg). Wayne, with small force (new Virginia recruits and some riflemen under Daniel Morgan) were sent to shadow Cornwallis' movements more closely. 30 July Meanwhile at the allied camp, north of New York City: Washington wrote a communiqu� to Lafayette stating that "if we find ourselves incompetent to the siege of New York" the allied force may endevor to expell the British from Virginia. On 1 August, Washington entered in his diary that he was turing his views more seriously to an operation in the south. [See 14 August -- 'decision day'.] 1 August Cornwallis occupied Yorktown. Lafayette suspected that Cornwallis might be heading north -- possibly Baltimore -- and planned on an overland march to follow and to harass the British if that were the case. Lafayette reached Richmond on 1 Aug, and learned that Cornwallis went to Yorktown. Lafayette soon obtained the valuable services of an African-American slave, called 'James'. James, pretending to be in the service of the British, managed to enter and depart Yorktown with information. 4 Aug Still suspecting Cornwallis might move north, Lafayette went to Newcastle [Old Church], on the Pamunky River. 6 Aug Lafayette wrote to Washington that Cornwallis appared to be staying at Yorktown. 13 Aug Lafayette moved through New Kent CH, crossed Pamunky River, and camped at Montock (at the forks of the Pamunky and Mattaponey rivers, west of West Point). He was still uncertain of Cornwallis's intentions. 14 Aug DECISSION DAY Washington learned of de Grasse's intention to go to the Cheseapeake. About the same time he learned of Cornwallis being at Yorktown. The decision is made that launches the Yorktown Campaign. Washington wrote 15 August letter to Lafayette to keep Cornwallis at Yorktown and to expect "aid from this quarter." He described more explictly of the grand scheme in a 21 August letter that was carried personally by Duportail to be shown to DeGrasse and to Lafayette. [Events outlined below are covered in more detail in the main webpage on the Yorktown Campaign. See link below.] 19-21 Aug Major part of Allied armies departed New York camps. 25 Aug De Barras' naval squadron departed Newport, RI, with siege train. 30 Aug De Grasse arrived at mouth of the Cheasapeake Bay. [Adm Graves took the British fleet out of NY, heading for VA.] 2-4 Sep Allied armies marched through Philadelphia. About this time, Duprotail arrived at Lafayette's headquarters at Montock Hill and reported Washington's grand plan. 2/3 Sep St. Simon's 3,100-man force began to disembark at Jamestown. St. Simon placed his force under Lafayette's command. The French and American units joined at Green Spring and began moving to Williamsburg. 5-6 September 1781 Second Battle of the Virginia Capes. 5 Sep Lafayette and St Simon arrived at Williamsburg 8 Sep De Barras entered Cheaspeake Bay and sailed to the James River. 14 Sept Washington, Rochambeau, Chasteleaux arrived at Williamsburg. 18 Sep Washington and Rochambeau met de Grasse aboard the Ville de Paris. Also present were Knox, Chastellux and Duportail. (Lafayette did not attend.) 20 Sep The allied armies from New York began arriving at Williamsburg. 26 Sep The Allied armies from the north completed their arrival at camps around Wiliamsburg. Militia continued to add to Lafayette's force in Virginia and to join with Washington's troops as they moved south from New York. A rough estimate is that the Americans had 5,700 Continentals and 3,100 militia at the begining of the siege of Yorktown. The 7,000 plus troops in the French land army does not count French naval forces on ships and that served on land, mainly to support the artillery.