The Battle of Yorktown - The Last Battle

The Battle of Yorktown was the last battle fought in the Revolution. It was fought September 28 to October 19, 1781. General George Washington commanded the American army of 8,800 soldiers. The 7,800 French soldiers were commanded by Lieutenant General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau. On the enemy side, the 7,500 British men were commanded by Lord Charles Cornwallis. In August 1781, General George Washington learned that Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis' army was encamped near Yorktown. After discussing options with his French ally Washington decided to quietly move his army away from New York City with the goal of crushing Cornwallis' army. They departed in August 21, 1781.

      

Rear Admiral Comte de Grasse supported this plan and agreed to help by blocking the British entry through the Chesapeake. On September 5, a British fleet led by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves arrived and attacked the French. This resulted in a battle. De Grasse defeated the British and led them away from the bay. Washington arrived at Williamsburg on September 17 and met with De Grasse to ensure he remain in the bay. They joined forces with Marquis de Lafayette and with the army assambled, Washington and Rochambeau began the march to Yorktown on September 28. A Franco-American army was led by the Comte de Choissey to oppose the British on Gloucester Point. Cornwallis was outnumbered 2 - 1. 

For the next three days following the night of October 5 and 6, French and American guns fired against the British. Feeling himself losing, Cornwallis wrote to General Henry Clinton on October 10 calling for help. Their situation worsened because of a smallpox outbreak in the town. On the night of October 16, Cornwallis shifted 1,000 men and his wounded to Gloucester Point with the goal of transferring his army across the river and breaking out to the north. This plan was interrupted when a storm scattered them. Out of ammunition for his guns and unable to shift his army, Cornwallis decided to open negotiations with Washington. At 9:00 AM on October 17, a single drummer mounted the British works and beat the long roll as a lieutenant waved a white flag.

The fighting at Yorktown cost the allies 72 killed and 180 wounded. British losses were higher and included 156 killed, 326 wounded. Cornwallis signed the official surrender papers on October 19. At noon the French and American armies lined up to await the British surrender. Two hours later the British marched out with flags furled and their bands playing "The World Turned Upside Down." Claiming he was ill, Cornwallis sent Brigadier General Charles O'Hara in his stead. Approaching the allied leadership, O'Hara attempted to surrender to Rochambeau but was instructed by the Frenchman to approach the Americans. As Cornwallis was not present, Washington directed O'Hara to surrender to Lincoln, who was now serving as his second-in-command.