Cornwallis

Charles Cornwallis lead several wars throughout his life securing British victories at New York, Brandywine and Camden. In 1781 he became second in command to Henry Clinton. Cornwallis lead his troops down to Virginia. This was when he lost at Yorktown. This was what marked the end of war and made a final decision. Before going to America, Cornwallis served for the army of Germany during the Seven Year War. He became major general in 1775. Cornwallis use to work under Clinton's orders. 

George Washington had surprised him in the crossing of the Delaware. Washington had also beat him the the Battle of Princeton. However he outflanked Washington's position in the Battle of Brandywine. Cornwallis was named second in command of the British army. This gave him even more responsibility. Cornwallis lead the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse. When Clinton departed to New York on June 8 and since Cornwallis was second in command, he had to lead the troops in the South. 

Cornwallis managed to defeat Horatio Gates at the Battle of Camden. The American militia seemed as if they couldn't confront them. Because of this North Carolina was left exposed to British. Cornwallis believed he should have captured North Carolina but was delayed since there was a hit weather,  his food supplies had been stolen and his troops got sick.

Cornwallis seemed unable to control South Carolina because American patriots were strong there. He wanted to go back to the north and cut the American supplies. According to him, this way he would be 

able  to go back go the south settlements. British crossed Roanoke and they went to fight a decisive battle in Virginia. The lack of loyalist support made it unable to accomplish his goals. Instead he had to settle in a low lying, not fortified place in Yorktown. This was when he saw the American and French strength. Cornwallis got aware that he could not escape and had to surrender. However this defeat did not affect his reputation that much. This was because he was sent to India as commander in chief of a new army.