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Collection Reference Number GLC02437.09555
From Archive Folder The Henry Knox Papers [0034] October 1781 
Title Articles of capitulation settled at Yorktown
Date 19 October 1781
Author Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis (1738-1805)  
Additional authors Symonds, Thomas (fl. 1781)
Document Type Military document
Content Description List of articles dictating the surrender of Cornwallis (Lieutenant General of Britain) to George Washington, the Count de Rochambeau (Lieutenant General of the French army), and the Comte de Grasse (Lieutenant General of the naval armies of France). Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide de camp. Shaw has penned the signature "Thomas Symonds." Shaw apparently also attempted to create with the same pen a look-alike signature of Cornwallis. Symonds was the commander of British naval forces in the York River. Article one indicates that the garrisons of York and Gloucester, British seamen, and other mariners will surrender themselves as prisoners of war to the forces of America and France. Article four allows officers to retain their arms and renders them exempt from search. Article seven indicates that officers may keep soldiers as servants. Eight allows for the sloop Bonetta to remain at the disposal of Cornwallis. Article ten prevents natives from being punished for joining the British army.
Subjects Prisoner of War  Battle (Siege, Surrender) of Yorktown  Revolutionary War  Revolutionary War General  Military History  Battle  Surrender  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  Continental Army  France  Navy  
People Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis (1738-1805)  Symonds, Thomas (fl. 1781)  Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de (1725-1807)  Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, Comte de (1722-1788)  Washington, George (1732-1799)  
Place written Yorktown, Virginia
Theme The American Revolution; The Presidency; Naval & Maritime; Foreign Affairs
Sub-collection The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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