Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The Virginia Gazette, or, The American Advertiser. Vol. 1, Numb. 1, Saturday December 22, 1781

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The Virginia Gazette, or, The American Advertiser. Vol. 1, Numb. 1, Saturday December 22, 1781

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Page 1

{Vol. I} [NUMB. 1.]
The
VIRGINIA GAZETTE
OR, THE
AMERICAN ADVERTISER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1781

Column 1

RICHMOND, December 22, 1781.
TO THE PUBLIC.
AFTER so long a silence of the
PRESS, occasioned by the
operations of the War during
the late campaign in this [illegible], it is with
infinite pleasure the Printer congratulates
the Public on that happy situation in
which our recent success against the com-
mon enemy hath placed us; amidst the
advantages of which to our Country, it
is not among the least, that the Press
can now again resume its proper functi-
ons, and afford to the People those early
and timely communications of foreign
and domestic Intelligence
which may come
to hand, and of which, through the want
of such a channel of information, they
have been kept so long ignorant. The
importance of these communications to
the People, and the baneful effects which
have arisen and may arise from the want
of them, need no comment, having been
sufficiently felt. It is with peculiar sa-
tisfaction the Printer observes, that
"as the Freedom of the Press” has been
regarded by the Legislature in the true
spirit of Liberty, and stands secured to
the People by the Bill of Rights, as one
of their most unalienable Privileges ;
and, therefore, doubts not but that his
own private endeavors to serve the Pub-
lic in this particular will meet the full-
est patronage of every Friend to his
Country.

The Printer proposes to publish the
VIRGINIA GAZETTE every Saturday
Morning, in its present form and size,
to contain the earliest Intelligence, both
foreign and domestic : It is his inten-
tion to render his paper as extensively
useful as possible, and to conduct it on
the strictest principles of Freedom and
Impartiality; a plan which he conceives
the most acceptable and agreeable to his
Readers.

The favors of the Ingenious will be
thankfully received, and all Essays or
Pieces wrote with decency, for the rec-
tification of Abuses, the promotion of
Virtue, or of the Arts, Sciences, Manu-
factures, &c. will be carefully inserted.
On these conditions he hopes to me-
rit the patronage, confidence and en=
couragement of the Public, to gain
which shall be his utmost attention
and care.

Column 2

The Price to Subscribers will be
THIRTY SHILLINGS per Annum.
Advertisements to be inserted according
to their lengths.

SUBSCRIPTIONS are received
by William Smith, Esq; Post-master, at
Fredericksburg ; John Young, Esq;
Post-master, at Peterburg ; Robert
McCrea
, Esq; Post-master; at Alex-
andria ; at Mr. Gault's as Mr. Formi-
cola
's taverns, and by the Printer, at his
Office near the Treasury, in Richmond,

Such Gentlemen at a distance who
will be so obliging as to take in Sub-
scriptions, will please to notify the same
to their (and the Public's)
Most obedient humble Servant,
JAMES HAYES.

Notwithstanding the considerable [illegible] of time since tbe re-
[illegible] of the Bristish posts or [illegible] Gloucester, the fol-
lowing particulars relative to that interesting and important
event, not having before been published in this State, it is
presumed will prove acceptable to our readers.

Head Quarters, Camp before York, October 1, 1781.
SIR,
LAST evening I was honored with your excellency's
favour of the 21st ult. with it's inclosure. The intel-
ligence it contains respecting the British fleet is very
agreeable, and will be immediately submitted to the count
de Grasse.

In my last, which bore date the [illegible] ult. I informed that
our preparations for a near investment of the enemy at York
were fast ripening to a point. I have now to aquaint your
excellency that I marched from Williamsburgh, with the
whole army, on the 28th, and approched within about two
miles of the enemy at York. At which distance a shew was
made of some opposition on our [illegible]; but upon the count
Rochambeau, who commands the part of the army, his
moving a few pieces of field artillery under the direction
of the baron de Viominil, and giving a few shots, the
enemy retired. On the 29th the American troops
moved forward, and took [illegible] round in front of the
enemy's works on their left, [illegible] except a few
scattered shots from wort a small [illegible] by Moor's-mill, on
Wormley creek and a battery on [illegible] of Pigeon-quarter.
A small fire all day from our riflemen and the enemy's
jagers. [illegible] 30th, in the morning [illegible] discovered that the
enemy had evacuated all their exterior line of works
and withdrawn to those near the body of the town.
By this means we are in possession of very advantage-
ous grounds, which command [illegible] a very near advance,
almost the whole remaining [illegible] their defence. All
the expedition that our circumstances will admit is using
to bring up our heavy artillery [illegible] stores, and to open
our batteries. This work, I hope, will be executed in
a few days, when our fire will begin with great vigor.

The investment of the enemy [illegible] now fully compleat-
ed and drawn very near their lines, except on the river
above the town, where their communication is still
open. To prevent this, and to compleat the new
blockade, a request is gone to the count de Grasse, de-
siring him to push, if he thinks it praticable, one or
more ships above the town. This, if effected, will an-
swer many very valuable purposes.</p
The position of the count de Grasse is judiciously taken,
the main fleet keeping their station in Lynn-Haven Bay,
and detachments made to secure the rivers. The determin
-ation of the count is favourably disposed to comply with
our wishes in every necessary cooperation.

I shall continue to keep [illegible] advised of such oc-
currences as are worthy the communication.

With the highest regard and [illegible], I have the honor
to be, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
servant,
G. WASHINGTON,
His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Column 3

Head Quarters before York, 12th October, 1781.
SIR,
MY last dispatch to your excellency was of the 6th.
I then informed you that we should open trenches
on that night; we did so, and established our first parallel
within 600 yards of the enemy's works with the loss of only
one officer of the French artillery wounded and sixteen pri-
vates killed and wounded, the greatest part of which were
of the French line.

The 7th and 8th we were employed in compleating
the first parallel, and in erecting batteries some what ad-
vanced of it.

The 9th at three o'clock in the afternoon the French
battery on the left, of four 12 pounders, six mortars
and howitzers, opened, and at 5 o'clock the American
battery on the right, of six 18 and 24 pounders, two
mortars and two howitzers, opened also. We were in-
formed that our shells did considerable execution in the
town, and we could perceive that our shot, which
were directed against the enemy's embrazures, injured
them much.

The 10th two French batteries, one of ten 18 and
24 pounders, and six mortars and howitzers, the other
of four 18 pounders, opened; as did two more Ame-
rican batteries, one of four 18 pounders, the other of
two mortars. The fire now become so excessively heavy
that the enemy withdrew their cannon from their em-
brazures, placed them behind the merlins and scarcely
fired a shot during the whole day. In the evening
the Cheron frigate, of [illegible] guns, was set on fire by a
hot ball from the French battery on the left, and en-
tirely consumed. Her gun; and it stores had been taken
out. By the report of a [illegible] our shells, which were
thrown with the utmost degree of precision, did much
mischief in the course of the day.

Yesterday morning two of the enemy’s transports were
fired by [illegible] burnt. This has occasioned them to
warp their shipping as far over to the Gloucester more as
possible.

We last night advanced our second parallel within 300
yards of the enemy's works with little or no annoyance
from them. Only nne man was killed and three or
four wounded. I shall think it strange indeed if lord
Cornwallis makes no vigorous exertions in the course
of this night or very soon after.

I cannot but acknowledge the infinite obligations I
am under to his excellency the count de Rochambeau, the
marquis St. Simon, commanding the troops from the
West-Indies, the other general officers, and indeed the
Officers of every denomination in the French army for
the assistance which they afford me. The experience
of many of those gentlemen in the business before us,
is of the utmost advantage in the present operation.

And I am sensible it must give your excellency and
Congress the highest pleasure to know that the greatest
harmony prevails between the two armies. They seem
actuazed by one spirit---that of supporting the honour
of the allied arms, and pushing their approaches with
the utmost vigour.

I have the honor to be, with perfect respect and esteem,
your excellency's most obedient and very humble servant,
G. WASHINGTON,
His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Head Quarters before York, 16th October, 1781.
SIR,
I HAD the honor to inform your excellency in my last,
of the 12th instant, that we had the evening be-
fore opened our second parallel ; the 13th and 14th
we were employed in compleating it. The engineers
having deemed the two redoubts on the left of the
enemy's line sufficiently injured by our shot and shells,
to make them practicable, it was determined to carry
them by assault on the evening of the 14th. The fol-
lowing disposition was accordingly made. The work
on the enemy's extreme left to be attacked by the
American light infantry under the command of the
marquis de la Fayette ; the other by a detachment of
the French grenadiers and chasseurs, commanded by
major general the baron de Viominil. I have the plea-
sure to inform your excellency that we succeeded in
both. Nothing could exceed the firmness and bravery
of the troops. They advanced under the fire of the
enemy without returning a shot and effected the bu-
siness with the bayonet only. The reports of his excel-
lency the Count de Rochambau, the marquis de la
Fayette, and lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, copies of
which I enclose, enter more articularly into a detail
of the mode in which the attacks on the part of the
French and American columns were conducted. We
made prisoners, in both redoubts, one major, two
captains, three subalterns and sixty-seven privates.

The works which we have carried are of vast impor-
tance to us. From them we shall ensilade the enemy's-
whole line; and I am in hopes we shall be able to

Page 2
Column 1

command the communication from York to Gloucester.
I think the batteries of the second parallel well be in
sufficient [illegible]to begin to play in the course of
this day.

The enemy, last night made a [illegible] for the first
time. They entered one of the French and one of the
American batteries on the second parallel which were
unfinished. They had only time to [illegible] the points of
their bayonets into four pieces of the French and two
of the America artillery, and break them off, but the
spikes were easily extracted. They were repulsed the
moment the supporting troops came up, leaving behind
them seven or eight dead and six prisoners. The French
had four officers and twelve privates killed and wounded,
and we had one serjeant mortally wounded.

I enclose your excellency a return of the killed and
wounded, of both armies, up to the present time. It is much
smaller then might have been expected.

I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, your ex-
cellency's most obedient servant,
G. WASHINGTON.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Copy of the Report of his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau.
ON the night between the 14th and 15th instant the
French was mounted by the regiments of Gatinois
and Royal Deux Pants, commanded by the Baron de Vi-
ominil ; to which were added for companies of French
auxiliary grenadiers. We had resolved to attack, as
soon as dark, the two redoubts on the left of the
enemy, that were detached from their other works.
The marquis de la Fayette undertook that in our
right with the American troops. The baron de Viominil
that on our left with the French. Four hundred gre-
nadiers, commanded by the count William Deux Ponts
and Mons. de L'Estrade, lieutenant colonel of Gati-
nois, opened the attack ; they were supported by the
regiment of Gatinois. The marquis de la Fayette and
the baron de Viominil made so vigorous and strong a
disposition of their troops, that they carried the two re-
doubts sword in hand, and killed, wounded or took
the greater part of [illegible] who defended them. The
number of prisoners amounts to 73, one major and 5
other officers included.

The troops, both American and French, have shewn
the most distinguished courage. The count William
Deux Ponts was slightly wounded by a cannon ball: he
is not in the least danger. The chevalier de la Meth.
adjutant quarter master general, has been severely
wounded in both knees by two different musket-balls.
Mons. de Sireuit, captain of the chasseurs of the regi-
ment of Agendis and two other officers of the same re-
giment lave been wounded. "Tis the third time that
and Mons. de Sireuit, tho' very young, has been wounded,
unluckily this time, the wound is very dangerous...
[illegible] have had 100 men killed or wounded. The troops
are [illegible] of the highest praises of the baron de Viomi-
nil, who [illegible] is exceedingly pleased with their
courage and [illegible].

I have ordered two days pay to be distributed to
the four companies of grenadiers and chasseurs of the
regiment of Gatinois and [illegible] Deux Ponts, besides a
more considerabe reward to the ax-bearers and car-
penters, who opened the way for the troops through
the abartis and [illegible].

Camp before York, October 16, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
YOUR excellency having personally seen our dispo-
sition, I shall only give an account of what passed
in the execution.

Colonel Gimat' battalion led the van, and was fol-
lowed by that of colonel Hamilton, who commanded
the whole advanced corps; at the same time a party
of eighty men, under colonel Laurens, turned the re-
doubt. I beg leave to refer your excellency to the re-
port I have received from Colonel Hamilton, whose
well known talents and gallantry, were, on this occa-
sion, most conspicuoos and serviceabile ; our obligations
to him, to colonel Gimat, to colonel Laurens, and
to each and all the officers and men, are above ex-
pression: Not one gun was fired, and the ardor of the
troops did not give time to the sappers to derange the
abartis ; and owing to the conduct of the commanders
and bravery of the men, the redoubt was stormed
with uncommon rapidity.

Colonel Barber's battalion, which was the first in the
supporting column, being detached to the aid of the
advance, arrived at the moment they were getting o-
ver the works, and executed their orders with the ut-
most alacrity. The colonel was slightly wounded.
The remainder of the column, under generals Mu
lenberg and Hazen, advanced with admirable firm-
ness and discipline. Colonel Vose's battalion displayed to
the left, a part of the division successively dressing by him,
whilst a kind of second line was forming columns in the
rear. It adds greatly to the character of the troops, that
under the fire of the enemy,they displayed with perfect
silence and order.

Give me leave, particularly, to mention major Barber,
division inspector, who distinguished himself, and received
a wound by a cannon ball.

In making the arrangements for the support of the works
we had reduced, I was happy to find general Wayne and
the Pennsylvanians so situated as to have given us, in case
of need, the most effectual support.

I have the honor to be, with the most perfect respect,
your Excellency's most bumble servant,
LA FAYETTE.
His Excellency General Washington.

SIR,
I HAVE the honor to render you an account of the
corps under my command,in your attack [illegible]
[illegible] left of the enemy's [illegible]
Agreeable to your orders we advanced in two co-
lumns with unloaded arms, the right composed of lieut-
col. Gimat's battalion and my [illegible], commanded by
lieut. col. Laurens, destined to take the enemy in [illegible]
and intercept their retreat. The column on the right was
preceded by a van guard of twenty men, led by [illegible]
[illegible]

Column 2

Mansfield [illegible] of sappers and miners, com
manded by [illegible], for the purpose of removing
obstruction [illegible].

There [illegible] led by major Campbell, with
a detachment of British and German troops, and was
compleatly in [illegible]

The rapidity and immediate success of the assault, are
the best comment of the behaviour of the troops.

Lient. col. Laurens, distinguished himself by an exact
and vigorous execution of his part of the plan, by entering
the enemy's [illegible] his corps, amoung the foremost,
and making [illegible] the commanding officer of the re-
doubt. Lieut. [illegible] batallion, which formed the
van of the [illegible] and which fell under my immedi-
ate observation [illegible] by the decisive and animated
example of their [illegible], advanced with ardour and re-
solution superior [illegible] obstacle. They were seconded by
major Fith with [illegible] under his command, who,
when the front of the column reached the [illegible] unlock-
ing his corps to the left, as he had been directed, advanced
with such celerity, to arrive in time to participate in the
assault.

Lieut. Mansfield deserves particular commendation, for
the coolness, firmness and punctuality, with which he con-
ducted the van [illegible], Capt. Olney, who commanded the
first platoon of [illegible] battalion, is entitled to peculiar ap-
plause. He led his platoon into the work with exemplary
intrepidity and received two bayonet wounds. Capt. Gil-
liland with the detachment of sappers and miners, acquieted
themselves in a manner that did them great honor.

I do but justice to the several corps, when I have the
pleasure to assure you there was not an officer nor soldier
[illegible] behaviour, [illegible] could be particularited, would not
have a claim to the [illegible] approbation. As it would
have been attended with delay and loss to wait for the re-
moval of the [illegible], the ardor of the troops
was indulged in [illegible] over them.

There was a happy coincidence of movements. The re-
doubt was in the same moment inveloped and carried on
every part. The enemy are intitled to the acknowledge-
ment of an honorable defence.

Permit me to have [illegible] of expressing our ob-
ligations to colonel [illegible], captain [illegible], the [illegible]
lier de Fontivieux, [illegible] captain Bedkin, officers of his corps,
who, acting upon this [illegible] as volunteers, proceeded at
the head of the right column, and entering the redoubt a-
mong the first, by their gallant example contributed to the
success of the enterprize.

Our killed and wounded you will perceive by the enclos-
ed return. I sensibly felt, at a critical period the loss of
the assistance of lieutenant colonel Gimat, who received a
musket ball in his [illegible], which obliged him to retire from
the field. Captain [illegible] of Lauren's corps, captain Hunt
and lieutenant Mansfield, of Gimat's, were wounded with
the bayonet in [illegible] entering the work Captain lieu-
tenant [illegible] trick, of the corps of sappers and miners,
received a wound [illegible] pitch. Inclosed is a return of the
prisoner’s the [illegible] wounded of the enemy did not
exceed eight [illegible], examples of barbari-
[illegible], the soldiery [illegible]
every man who [illegible] resist.

I have the honor [illegible] the warmest esteem and
attachmeat, Sir, [illegible] humble servant,
[illegible] HAMILTON.
[illegible] Colonel commandant.

The Marquis de Fayette.
Camp before York-[illegible], October 15, [illegible]
RETURN of the Killed and Wounded of the French
Troops since the beginning of the Siege of York.

From the 6th to the 7th October.
In making the first parallel. Kill. Wounded.
Main attack 0 1
Attack up the river at the left 0 7
One officer of the artillery wounded.
From the 7th to the 8th.
In making the [illegible] upon the 1st parallel.
Main attack 0 6
From the 8th to the 9th.
Continuation of the batteries.
Main attack 1 1
From the 9th to the 10th.
Continuation of the batteries 0 2
Attack up the rear 0 0
From the 10th to the 11th.
The batteries firing--main attack 1 1
Prom the 11th to the 12th.
Opening the second paralel.
Main attack 0 4
Attack up the river 0 3
From the [illegible] to the 13th.
Commencing of the batteries on the se-
cond parallel 6 11
Two officers wounded.
From the 13th to the 14th.
Continuation of batteries 1 28
Attack up the [illegible] 0 6
From the 14th to the 15th.
Attack of the two redoubts of the enemy
down the river 41 57
Six officers wounded.
Total 50 127
Nine officers wounded, two of them since dead.

Return of the killed and wounded of the American army
from the 28th September, 1781, the day of the invest-
iture of York, to the storm of the enemy's redoubts on
the night of the 14th October following, inclusive.

From the investiture of York to the opening of the first
parallel on the evening of the 6th Oct. exclusive.
Continentals, killed [illegible] serjeant, 3 rank and file. Wounded-
ed 1 colonel, a rank and file.
Militia, killed 1 rank and file, Wounded 6 rank and
file.
From the opening of the first parallel, to that of the se-
cond on the evening of the 11th October, exclusive.
Continentals, killed [illegible] rank and file. Wounded 3 rank
and file.
Militia, Wounded [illegible] rank and file.

__________________________________
Colonel [illegible] , dead.

Column 3

From the opening of the second parallel to the 14th
October, inclusive.
Continentals, killed 1 captain, 3 rank and file, Wound-
ed 1 captain, 7 rank and file.
Militia, killed 3 rank and file. Wounded 7 rank and
file.

At the storm on the evening of the 14th October.
Continentals, killed 8 rank and file. Wounded 2 lieut.
colonels, 1 major, 2 captains, 1 captain lieutenant, 1 lieu-
tenant, 1 serjeant, 28 rank and file.
Total--Continentals, killed 1 captain, I serjeant, 16
rank and file. Wounded 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels
1 major, 3 captains, 1 captain lieutenant, 1 lieutenant, 1
serjeant, [illegible] rank and file.
Total- Militia, killed 4 rank and file. Wounded
16 rank and file.

Officers killed at the opening of the second parallel.
Captain White, of colonel Vale's battalion infantry.
Wounded at ditto.
Captain Gosselen, of general Hazen's regiment.

Officers wounded at the storm.
Lieutenant colonels Barber and Gimat.
Major Barber, inspector to the light infantry division.
Captains Olney and Hunt, of colonel Gimat's battalion
infantry.
Captain lieutenant Kirkpatrick, corps of sappers and
miners.
Lieutenant Mansfield, of col. Gimat's battalion infantry.
EDWARD HAND, A G.

Head Quarters near York, 19th October, 1781.
SIR,
I HAVE the honor to inform Congress, that a reduction
of the Brith army under the command of lord Corn-
wallis is most happily effected.-- The unremitting ardour
which actuated every officer and 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 [illegible] spirit of emulation, which animated the
whole army, from the first commencement of our operati-
on, has filled [illegible] with [illegible] pleasure and satis-
faction, and had given me the happiest [illegible] of success.

On the 17th inst. a letter was received from lord Corn-
waliis, proposing a meeting of commissioners, to confult on
terms for the surrender of the posts of York and Glouces-
ter. This letter (the first which had passed between us)
opened a correspondence: A copy of which I do myself
the honor to enclose; [illegible] correspondence was followed
by the definitive capitulation, which was agreed to, and
signed on the 19th; Copy of which is also herewith trans-
mitted, 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 ac-
knowledgments, the very cheerful and able assistance which
I have received in the course of our operations, from his
excellency count de Rochambeau, and all is officers of
every rank, in their respective capacities. Nothing could
equal this zeal of our alies, but the emulating spirit of the
American officers, where ardour would not further their ex-
ertions to be exceeded.

The very uncommon degree of duty and fatigue which
the nature of the service required from the officers of engi-
neers and artillery of both armies, oblige me particularly
to mention the obligations I am under to the [illegible]
[illegible]

I wish it was in my power to express to Congress, how
much I feel myself indebted to the count de Grasse, and the
officers of the fleet under his command for the distinguish-
ed aid and support which has been afforded by them, be-
tween whom and the army the most happy concurrence of
sentiments and views have subsisted, 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, and other matters, I shall do myself the honour
to transmit to Congress as soon as they can be collected by
the heads of departments to which they belong.

Colonel Laurens and the Viscount de Noailles, on the
part of the combined army, were the gentlemen who acted
as commissioners for forming and settling the terms of
capitulation and surrender herewith transmitted ; to whom
I am particularly obliged for their readiness and attention
exhibited on the occasion.

Colonel Tilghman, one of my Aids-de-camp, will have
the honor to diliver those dispatches to your Excellency ;
he will be able to inform you of every minute circum-
stance which is not particularly mentioned in my letter ;
his merits which are too well known to need any obser-
vations at this time have gained my particular attention
and I could wish that they may be honored by the notice
of your Excellency and Congress.

Your Excellency and Congress will be pleased to accept
my congratulations on this happy event, and believe me
to be, with the highest respect and esteem, Sir, your
Excellency's most obedient humble servent,
G. WASHINGTON.
His Excellency the President of Congress.
P.S. Tho' I am not possessed of the particular returns,
yet I have reason to suppose, that the number of prisoners
will be between five and six thousand, exclusive of seamen
and others.

No. I.
SIR, York Virginia, October 17, 1781.
I PROPOSE a cessation of hostilities for 24 hours,
and that two officers may be appointed by each side to
meet at Mr. Moore's house, to settle terms for the surren-
der of the posts of York and Gloucester.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
that humble servant, CORNWALLIS.

To his Excellency Gen. Washington, commanding
the combined forces of France and America.
No. II.
Camp before York, 17th October, 1781.
MY LORD,
I HAVE had the honor of receiving your Lord
ship's letter of this date.
An ardent desire to spare the further effusion of blood
will readilly incline me to listen to such terms for the sur-
render of your posts of York and Gloucester as are admir-
iable.

Page 3</h5
Column 1

[damaged, illegible]
interests your Lordship wishes may be attended, until
they are more particularly described, nothing definitive can
be settled. I have to add, that I expect the sick and wound-
ed 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 determi-
nation, 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 renewal of hostilities may take place.
I have the honor to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most
obedient, &c. G. WASHINGTON.

To Lieut. Gen. Earl Cornwallis, commanding &c.
No. V.
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, inclu-
ding seamen, being prisoners of war, without annexing
the condition of their being sent to Europe; but I expect
to receive a compensation in arranging the articles of capi-
tulation for the surrender of York Town in its present state
of defence. I shall, in particular, desire that the Bonerra
[illegible] 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,
and such soldiers as I may think proper to send as passen-
gers in her, to be manned with 50 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
sent as passengers shall be acccounted for in future ex-
changes as prisoners ; 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 for having joined the British troops.

If you choose to proceed to negotiation 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 honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servent, CORNWALLIS.

His Excellency Gen. Washington, commanding &c.
ARTICLES of CAPITULATION settled between his Ex-
cellency Gen. Washington, Commander in Chief of the com-
bined forces of America and France--His Excellency the
Count de Rochambeau, Lieut. General of the armies of the
King of France, Great Cross of the Royal and Military Or-
der of St. Louis, commanding the Auxiliary troops of His
Most Christian Majesty in America, and Excellency the
Count de Grasse, Lieut. General of the naval armies of His
Most Christian Majesty, Commander of the Order of St.

Column 2

[damaged,illegible]
[torn, illegible] and naviga-
[torn, illegible]crew, and [illegible] at the dif-
[torn, illegible] from the hour that the capitulation is
[torn, illegible] to receive an aid-de-camp to carry [illegible] to Sir
[torn, illegible] Clinton, and such soldiers as he may [illegible] proper to send
to New York, to be permitted to sail without examination when
his dispatches are ready ; his Lordship engaging on his part, that
the ship thall be delivered to the order of Count de Grasse, if she
escapes the dangers of the seas: 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. --Granted.

Art. 9. 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. Answer,

The traders will be allowed to dispose of their effects, the allied
army baving the right of pre-emption. The traders to be con-
sidered as prisoners of war on parole.

Art. 10. Natives or inhabitants of different parts of this
country, at present at York and Gloucester, are not to be punish-
ed on account of having joined the British army. Answer.
This article cannot be assented to, being altogether of civil resort.

Art. 11. Proper hospital to be furnished for the sick und
wounded. They are to be attended by their [illegible] on parole,
and they are to be furnished with medicines and stores from the
American hospitals. Answer,

The hospital stores now in York and Gloucester, shall be de-
livered for the use of the British sick and wounded. Passports
will be granted for procuring them further [illegible] 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.

Art. 12. Waggons to be furnished to carry bagenge of the
officers attending the soldiers, and the surgeons when travelling
on account of the sick, attending the hospitals, [illegible] the public ex-
pence. Answer. They will be furnished if possible.

Art. 13. 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 [illegible] appointed to
take possession of them, previoully unloading the private proper-
ty, part of which had been on board for security during the siege.
Granted.

Art. 14. No article of the capitulation to be in infringed on pre-
text of reprises, 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 in Virginia, this 19th day of October, 1781.
CORNWALLIS.
Copy) THOS. SYMONDS.
Published by Order of Congress,
CHARLES. THOMSON, Secretary.

RICHMOND, December 02.
The Honorable General Assembly of the Common-
weath, at their present sitting, have thought proper to
repeal the Law enacted last session, for laying an Embargo
for a limited time.

The Honorable Thomas Nelson, [illegible] our late
Governor, having resigned on account of the ill state of
his health, the Honorable Benjamin Harrison, Esq;
Speaker of the House of Delegates, is elected [illegible] ;
and John Tyler, Esq; is chosen Speaker.

Column 3

[damaged, illegible]
[illegible] be given [torn, illegible]
such Deserters: I DO [torn, illegible]
the advice of the Council of State,[torn, illegible]
ly charge all officers, civil and military,[torn, illegible]
tizens of this State, to make diligent enquiry [torn, illegible]
ral counties for all such deserters, and if any [torn, illegible]
[illegible], that they take the most speedy and effectual means
for apprehending and conveying such deserters, whether
soldiers or seamen, to Head Quarters, in the city of Wil-
liamsburg, where they will receive ample compensation for
their trouble and expence.

And, I DO hereby further make known, That I am
authorized to assure each of our fellow citizens, who may
have it in their power to furnish supplies of provision or
other articles, to the army and fleet of our greatest ally now in
this State that full and perfect protection and security will be
given their persons and property, at the several posts and
stations ; And that they will be at liberty to vend their
commodities in a fair and amicable manner.

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Common-
wealth, in the Council Chamber, at Richmond, this
20th day of December, in the Year of our Lord
1781,
fixth of the Commonwealth.
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
***The return of prisoners, military stores, &c. taken
at York and Gloucester ; also Advertisements and Arti-
cles of Intelligence, omitted this week for want of room,
shall be inserted in our next.

TO BE SOLD
Either for cash or tobacco, at the shop of the sub-
scriber, opposite the Court-house, in Richmond,
A Quantity of the best Jesuits Bark, Jailap, Rhu-
barb, Manna, Senna, and several other articles
too tedious to mention.
ANDREW LEIPER.

Twenty Silver Dollars Reward.
STOLEN from the subscriber, about the first
of November last, at York-town, a dark roan
HORSE, branded on the near buttock HB. pa-
ces and trots, and was in good order when lost. Any
person who will secure the said Horse and give in-
formation thereof, shall be entitled to the above re-
ward.

As the brand on the above Horse was in large broad
letters, any honest person who may happen to observe
them on any dark horse is desired to make particular
enquiry, and if other circumstances concur, to seize
the horse: It is supposed he was carried northerly.
The above reward will be given to any person who
will secure the said horse so that the subscriber may
have bim again. Any Printer who will be so good
as to publish this advertisement, will be thankfully
rewarded, by their humble servant,
JOHN HURT, Chaplain to Virginia troops.

Page 4
Column 1

[damaged, illegible]
[torn, illegible] a redoubt advanced
[torn, illegible]defended by about 120
[torn,illegible]and marines, who maintained
[torn,illegible]command gallantry. The fire continued
[torn,illegible]heavy cannon, and from mortars and howit-
[torn,illegible]shells from 8 to 16 inches, until our guns
[torn,illegible]were silenced, our works much damaged, and
our loss of men considerable. On the night of the 11th,
they began their second parallel about 300 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 in every
respect with 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 a constant fire with all the howitzers and mor-
tars that we could man.

On the evening of the 14th, they assaulted and carried
two redoubts, that had been advanced about 300 yards for
the purpose of delaying 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 day-
break, in the morning of the 16th,I ordered a sortie of
about 350 men, under the direction of Lt. Col. Abercom-
ble, to attack two batteries which appeared to be in the
greatest forwardness, and spike the guns ; a detachment of
the guard, with the 18th company of grenadiers, under
the command of Lt. Col. Lake, attacked the one ; and
one of light infantry, under the command of Major Arm-
strong, attacked the other. They both succeeded, by
forcing the redoubts that covered them, spiking 11 guns,
and killing or wounding about 100 of the French troops,
who had the guard of that part of the trenches, and with
Bittle loss on our side. This action, the extremely honor-
able 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 be-
fore 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 in which we could shew a single gun, and
our shells were nearly expended. I had therefore only to
choose between preparing to surrender next day, or en-
deavouring to get off with the greatest part of the troops.
I determined to attempt the latter, reflecting that though
it could prove unsuccessful in its object, it might at least
delay the enemy in the prosecution of further 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 [illegible] the infantry
curing the night, abandoning our baggage, and leaving a

Column 2

[damaged, illegible]
Tribe; and [torn, illegible]
of every British officer, [torn, illegible]
put any of them into our power.

Although the event has been so unfortunate, the [torn, illegible]
of the soldiers is bearing the greatest fatigue, and [torn, illegible]
firmness and intrepidity under a persevering fire of [torn, illegible]
and shells, that I believe as not often been exceeded de-
served the highest commendation and praise. A successful
defence, however, in our situation, was perhaps impossi-
ble, for the place could only be reckoned an intrenched
camp, subject in most places to [illegible], and the ground
in general to disadvantageous, that nothing but the neces-
sity 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, and on this side, to
little more than 3,200 rank and file, fit for duty, in-
cluding officers, servants and [illegible] and a: Gloucester,
about 6oo including cavalry. The enemy's army con-
sisted of upwards of 8000 French, nearly as many Conti-
nentals, and 5000 militia. They brought an immense
train of heavy artillery, most amply furnished with am-
munition, and perfectly well manned.

The constant and universal cheerfulness and spirit of the
officers in all hardship and danger, deserve my warmest
acknowledgements. And I have been particularly indebt-
ed to brigadier gen. O'Hara, and to 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 [illegible] regiment and ma-
rines in the redoubt on the right, commanded by capt. Ab-
thorpe ; and the subsequent detachments, commanded by
Lieut. Col. Johnston, deserve particular attention. Capt.
Rochfort, who commanded the artillery, and indeed every
officer and soldier of that distinguished corps, and Lieut.
Sutherland, the commanding Engineer, have merited in
every respect my highest approbation. And I cannot suf-
ficiently acknowledge my obligations to Capt. Symmonds,
who commanded his Majesty's ships, and to the other of-
ficers and seamen of the navy, for their zealous and active
co-operation.

I transmit returns of our killed and wounded. The
loss of the seamen and towns-people, was likewise conside-
rable.

I trust that your Excellency will please to hasten the re-
turn of the Bonetta, after landing her passengers, in com-
pliance with the articles of capitulation.

Lieut. Col. Abercrombie, will have the honor to deliver
this dispatch, and is well qualified to explain to your
Excellency every particular relative to our past and present
situation.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
(signed) CORNWALLIS.

Column 3

[damaged, illegible]
[torn, illegible] owner, on describing the marks and pay-
ing charges, may have the certificates for the same by
applying to
GEDDES WINSTON.

T A K E N U P,
By the subscriber, near Charlottesville, in Albemarle
County,
TWO MARES; one of them a gray, about
four feet seven or eight inches high, adjudged
to be twelve or fourteen years old, paces, and is
branded on the off shoulder with WP, in one letter, and
a brand on the near buttock; valued to five pounds
specie: The other an iron gray, three years old last
spring, about four feet six or seven inches high, roach
mane, neither docked nor branded, has remarkable long
ears; appraised to eleven pounds specie. The last
mentioned mare was brought to my plantation by a
run-away Negro, who says he stole her from the ene-
my during their stay at Williamsburg.
NICHOLAS LEWIS.

Goochland, June 16, 1781.
Τ Α Κ Ε Ν U Ρ,
By the subscriber,
THREE head of Cattle ; one a dark brindled
cow, with white on her back and under her
belly, her tail white, two white spots in her forehead,
under keel in her left ear, and her right a fox ear
appraised to 50s old money. A black cow, under
keel in the right ear and swallow-fork'd in the left;
appraised to 45s. old money. A red heifer, under keel
in the right ear and crop and three slits in the left;
appraised to 25s. old money.

Also a bay mare, twelve or thirteen years old,
branded on the near buttock C, and docked, two hind
feet white, a natural pacer, a star in her forehead and
snip on her nose; appraised to 40s. old money.
JOHN HUMBER

RICHMOND: Printed by JAMES HAYES, Printer to the Commonwealth, at his Printing-Office
near the Treasury.

Original Format

Ink on paper

Collection

Tags

Citation

Hayes, James, 1759-1804, printer, “The Virginia Gazette, or, The American Advertiser. Vol. 1, Numb. 1, Saturday December 22, 1781,” Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed March 29, 2024, https://cwfjdrlsc.omeka.net/items/show/554.
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