48 Letter from General George Washington to Congress Announcing the Victory at Yorktown, Virginia
October 19, 1781
George Washington
Background
The Yorktown Campaign ensured American success in their efforts to gain independence from Great Britain and General George Washington’s role in securing this victory increased his prominence in America. However, this surrender of over 7,000 British troops did not end the war. The war officially came to an end two years later in 1783 (after Washington had returned to New York City) when the Peace of Paris was signed by a British government which was installed largely as a result of Washington’s victory at Yorktown. Cornwallis’ surrender necessitated the beginning of serious negotiations that ended in the recognition of United States as an independent nation.
Head Quarters near York. 19th Octo 1781
[Sirs?]
I have the Honor to inform Congress, that a Reduction of the British Army under the Command of Lord Cornwallis, is most happily effected—-the unremitting Ardor which actuated every Officer Soldier in the combined Army on this Occasion, has principally led to this Important Event, — at an earlier period than my most sanguine Hopes had induced me to expect.
The singular Spirit of Emulation which animated the whole Army from the first Commence-ment of this Operation, has filled my Mind with the highest pleasure & Satisfaction–and had given me the happiest messages of Success–
On the 17th instant a Letter was re-ceived from Lord Cornwallis, propossing a Meeting of commissioners, to consult on Terms for the Surrender of the Ports of York & Gloucester —This letter the first which had passed between us opened a Correspondenc, –a copy of which I do myself the honor to inclose that Correspondence was followed by the Defenitive Capitulation, which was agreed to, Signed on the 19th, copy of which is also herewith transmitted—and which I hope will meet the Approbation of Congress.
I should be wanting in the feelings of Gratitude, did I not mention on this occasion with the warmest Sense of acknowledgement, the very chearfull & able Assistance, which I have received in the Course of our Operations, from his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, and all his officers of every Rank, in their respective Capacities. No thing could equal this Zeal of our Allies, but the ever lasting Spirit of the American Officers, whose Ardor would not suffer their Exertions to be exceeded —
The very uncommon Degree of Duty & Fatigue which the Nature of the service required from the officers of Engineers & Artillery of both Armies, obliges me particularly to mention the Obligations I am under to the Commanding of other Officers of those Corps.
I wish it was in my Power to express to Congress how much I feel myself indebted to the Comte de Grasse and the officer of the Fleet under his command for the distinguished aid and Support which has been afforded by them; between whome, the Army, the happy Concurrence of Sentiments, & Views have and from whom every possible Co-operation has been experienced, which the most harmonious Intercourse could afford.
Returns of the Prisoners, Military Stores,
Ordnance, Shipping & other matters, I shall do my self the Honor to [transmit?] to Congress as soon as they can be collected by the Heads of Departments, to which they belong —*
Colo. Tilgnman, one of my Aids de Camp, will have the honor to deliver these dispatches to you[r] Excellency- he will be able to inform you of every minute circumstance which is not particulary men-tioned in my letter: –his merits, which are too well known to need any Recssiation at this time have gained my particular Attention– & I could wish that they may be honored by the Notice of your Excelleny & Congress.
Your Excellency & Congress will be plea-zed to accept my Congratulations on this happy Event — & believe me to be
With the highest Respect & Esteem
for
Your Excellency &
Most Obedient and
most humble Servant,
G. Washington
*Co. Laurens & the Viscount de Noailles, on the part of the combined army were the Gentlemen who acted as Commissioners for formg& settg the Terms of Capitualtion & Surrender herewith transmitted–to whom I am particularly obliged for their Readiness & Attention exhibited on the occasion-
His Excellency the President of Congress–
Tho I am not possessed of the Particular Returns, yet I have reason to suppose that the Number of Prisoners will be between five & Six thousand, exclusive of his men, & others,[1]
