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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.01251 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0034] October 1781 |
| Title | Copy of a letter from Henry Knox to John Adams relating the siege of Yorktown |
| Date | 21 October 1781 |
| Author | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Recipient | Adams, John |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Later copy of GLC02437.01252. A detailed account of the siege of Yorktown. Affirms the correctness of Adams' ideas about a need to conduct a major attack against the British in the southern states. Announces the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Explains the "harmonious concurrence of circumstances" that made the victory possible, mentioning the fleet from the West Indies commanded by Admiral Compte de Grasse, the American and French troops marching down from the Hudson River, and a fleet from Rhode Island under the command of Compte de Barras. Provides a chronological explanation of the Allied forces' actions against Yorktown between 27 September 1781 and 19 October 1781. Comments on the terms of surrender, ordnance confiscated, and strategic benefits of the victory. Also discusses the talent of General Nathanael Greene, the harmony between troops, the French fleet, the state of West Point, and the European trip his brother William Knox is taking. |
| Subjects | Navy France Battle (Siege, Surrender) of Yorktown Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Continental Army Artillery Battle Surrender Global History and Civics President Caribbean Ammunition West Point (US Military Academy) Children and Family Travel |
| People | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Adams, John (1735-1826) Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) |
| Place written | Yorktown, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Revolution; 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 |
| Related documents | Letter from Henry Knox to John Adams relating the siege of Yorktown |