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The Battle of Yorktown The Diary of Ebenezer Denny, 1781
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The victory that, militarily at least, marked the successful end of the American Revolution was achieved in Yorktown, VA on October 19, 1781 when troops under General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette forced the surrender of the British army of the south under Lord Charles Cornwallis.
After their embarrassing defeat at Saratoga, and the loss of an entire army under Burgoyne, the British turned their attention to the American south where they hoped to find more support from Loyalists than in the rebel north.
At the end of 1778 the British took first Savannah, then Augusta, GA. American attempts to dislodge them failed and, by the end of the following year, they and their Loyalist supporters were in firm control of Georgia and looking towards South Carolina. In May, 1780 they took Charleston. Later that summer at the Battle of Camden, the victor of Saratoga, General Horatio Gates, was soundly defeated by the new British commander in the south, Lord Cornwallis. Supported by Loyalists, the British now held South Carolina as well and felt well positioned in their new strategy to defeat the rebellion.
But that's where it all began to crumble. Though still able to win battles in the south, the British were unable to consolidate the victories or to hold territory, and were gradually confined to Charleston and Savannah. Cornwallis, meanwhile, had moved his main army north to Yorktown, VA, there to consolidate a base of operations from which to open a new campaign in the south. At this point the new American military alliance with France came to play a crucial role.
A French army of about 5,000 had landed near Newport, RI and, dislodging the British from their stronghold there, went on to threaten New York. Combining these forces with his own, General Washington felt strong enough to move down into Virginia and confront Cornwallis before he could fully consolidate his position and achieve resupply by sea.
Meanwhile a strong French naval force moved into position in Chesapeake Bay to prevent just such resupply. As Washington quietly moved into place, he was joined by French troops from the fleet, and by a smaller American force under the Marquis de Lafayette.
Outnumbered now by a surrounding Allied army of over 16,000, Cornwallis read the handwriting on the wall and surrendered. The capitulation was accepted honorably by Washington and his fellow generals.
Unlike the memoirs of the Generals, which are well-regarded and well-read, the diary of Pennsylvanian Ebenezer Denny, a major in the Continental Army and participant in the Battle of Yorktown, gives us a soldier's-eye view of this most decisive of American battles.
The victory at Yorktown did not immediately end all fighting -- skirmishes continued into 1783, especially at sea. However, with the loss of its second major army, the British decided they had had enough of war in the colonies and conceded the full independence of the United States of America, with appropriate territorial guarantees, in the Treaty of Paris, signed September 3, 1783.
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The Battle of Yorktown The Diary of Ebenezer Denny, 1781
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CARLISLE, May 1st, 1781.-
The Pennsylvania Line, after the revolt and discharge of the men,
last winter, were reduced to six regiments; the officers ordered to
different towns within the State to recruit. An appointment of ensign in
the 7th had been obtained for me in August last; the 7th and 4th were
incorporated, and under command of Lt. Col. Comt. William Butler,
rendezvoused at this place - companies now about half full. The effective
men were formed into four companies, and marched to Little York; l was
arranged to one of the marching companies, Samuel Montgomery, captain,
and George Bluer, lieutenant. All the recruits fit for service, from the
different stations, were brought to York, formed into two regiments of
eight companies each, destined for the State of Virginia. A few days
spent in equipping, &c., and for the trial of soldiers charged with
mutiny, General Anthony Wayne, the commanding officer, influenced, no
doubt, by experience of the revolt last winter, expresses a
determination to punish, with the utmost rigor, every case of mutiny or
disobedience. A general court martial continued sitting several days;
twenty prisoners brought before them; seven were sentenced to die.
The regiments paraded in the evening earlier than usual; orders passed
to the officers along the line to put to death Instantly any man who
stirred from his rank. In front of the parade the ground rose and
descended again, and at the distance of about three hundred yards over
this rising ground, the prisoners were escorted by a captain's guard;
heard the fire of one platoon and immediately a smaller one, when the
regiments wheeled by companies and marched round by the place of
execution. This was an awful exhibition. The seven objects were seen by
the troops just as they had sunk or fell under the fire. The sight must
have made an impression on the men; it was designed with that view.
YORK, May 15th.-
Provision for transporting baggage, etc., and other necessary
preparation. Commenced our march for Virginia; the weather pleasant and
roads tolerably good. Passed through Frederick Town (Maryland), where
were some British prisoners quartered; they turned out to see us. Next
day reached the Potomac; here we were detained for want of craft - boats
few and in bad condition. The artillery passed over first (a battalion
of artillery accompanied the brigade). The second flat-boat had left the
shore about forty yards, when the whole sunk. Several women were on
board; but as hundreds of men were on the bank, relief soon reached
them; none were lost - got all over. Proceeded a few miles and encamped.
Struck our tents every morning before day. About eight or nine o'clock,
as we found water, a short halt was made, the water-call beat; parties,
six or eight from each company, conducted by a non-commissioned officer,
with canteens, fetched water. Seldom allowed to eat until twelve
o'clock, when the arms were stacked, knapsacks taken off, and water sent
for by parties as before. Officers of a company generally messed
together, sometimes more; one of their servants carried cooked
provisions for the day; no cooking until night. Not acquainted with the
country on our route, but understood that we were marching much
about - very circuitous - keeping off the Blue Ridge close on our right.
This to avoid the enemy and secure our junction with the Marquis
Lafayette.
June 18th.-
Joined the troops under command of Lafayette. The Marquis had
marched two or three days to meet us. His men look as if they were fit
for business. They are chiefly all light infantry, dressed in frocks and
over-alls of linen. One day spent in washing and refreshing - in fixing
arms, carriages, &c., and served out ammunition. Move toward
Richmond, where Lord Cornwallis with the British army lay. Heard that
his lordship was employed burning and destroying warehouses of tobacco,
all the public store-houses, &c. Passed through Richmond toward
Williamsburg after the enemy - joined by Baron Steuben with some new
levies. Near Bacon's Bridge
the British turned upon us; our advance pressed them too close. The army
was formed for a fight - they did not come on. General Wayne very anxious
to do something. Colonel Simcoe, who commands the British legion (horse
and mounted infantry), is constantly committing some depredation abroad,
and foraging for their army. Wayne hears of him - our brigade leave their
tents and baggage, march at dark, with piece of white paper in each
man's hat - flints taken out. At day-light reach place called the Bowling
Green, where Simcoe had been the evening before. This was a severe march
for me - found myself asleep more than once on the route. Returned and met
the baggage. A detachment from the brigade put under command of Colonel
Richard Butler. After a variety of marching and countermarching, Butler
at length intercepts Simcoe; a smart skirmish takes place; Wayne
supports Butler, and Simcoe retreats. Here for the first time saw
wounded men; feelings not very agreeable; endeavor to conquer this
disposition or weakness; the sight sickened me. This little engagement
within six miles of Williamsburg, where the enemy were encamped.
Pennsylvania troops retreat - advance again. See the Marquis' light troops
but seldom - know they are not far off. Kept constantly on the move. Hear
that the enemy have decamped and preparing to cross James river at
Jamestown. Our brigade move down; lay on arms all night about nine miles
from the enemy. At daylight move on; middle of the afternoon of the 6th
of July firing ahead. Our advance drove in the enemy's pickets, marching
at this time by companies, in open order. My captain (Montgomery) fell
behind his company where my place was, talked with me; gives me a lesson
useful to me. When perhaps within one hundred and fifty yards of the
enemy, we closed column and displayed; advanced in battalion until the
firing commenced, and ran along the whole line. A regiment or more of
the light infantry and three pieces of artillery were in the line. Saw
the British light infantry, distinctly, advancing at arm's-length
distance, and their second line in close order, with shouldered musket,
just in front of their camp - their infantry only engaged. The main body
were discovered filing off to the right and left, when orders were given
us to retreat. My captain, Montgomery, received a shot in his foot and
had hopped back in the rear; Lieutenant Bluer being absent, the charge
of the company devolved on me; young and inexperienced, exhausted with
hunger and fatigue, had like to have disgraced myself - had eat nothing
all day but a few blackberries - was faint, and with difficulty kept my
place; once or twice was about to throw away my arms (a very heavy
espontoon). The company were almost all old soldiers. Kept compact and
close to our leading company, and continued running until out of reach
of the fire. The enemy advanced no farther than to the ground we left.
We could not have been engaged longer than about three or four minutes,
but at the distance of sixty yards only. Our loss is said to be upward
of one hundred killed and wounded; among the latter twelve officers, one
of whom, Lieutenant Herbert, taken prisoner; a few of the wounded not
able to get off, were also taken. The artillery horses all killed; two
pieces were lost. Retreated two miles to very commanding ground, where
we met the Marquis with our main body; halted and had some Indian meal
served out, the wounded dressed, &c., and before day changed our
ground and encamped about five miles from the field.
July 7th.-
An officer, surgeon, and a few men sent with flag to bury the dead,
&c. This was done in company with an equal number of the enemy. Our
wounded who were prisoners, had been properly treated. The British moved
from Jamestown. About a fortnight after the action, visited the field;
could trace plainly the ground occupied by both, from the tops of the
cartridges which lay in a line; the distance between about sixty paces.
The army marched and crossed James river at Westover, the seat of
Colonel Bird, said to have been once the most wealthy planter in the
State; the improvements superb, saw nothing like them before. Kept at a
respectful distance from the enemy; rather between them and the route to
North Carolina. Some idea of their design to return to the southward.
Report going of a French fleet below. This news confirmed - great
joy - army on the alert.
Sept. 1st. -
Army encamped on the bank of James river - part of French fleet, with
troops on board, in view. Recrossed James river and encamped at
Williamsburg. Army in high spirits - reinforcements coming on.
14th.-
General Washington arrived; our brigade was paraded to receive him;
he rode along the line - quarters in Williamsburg.
15th.-
Officers all pay their respects to the Commander-in-chief; go in a
body; those who are not personally known, their names given by General
Hand and General Wayne. He stands in the door, takes every man by the
hand - the officers all pass in, receiving his salute and shake. This the
first time l had seen the General. We have an elegant encampment close
to town, behind William and Mary College. This building occupied as an
hospital. Williamsburg a very handsome place, not so populous as
Richmond, but situate on evenly, pretty ground; streets and lots
spacious - does not appear to be a place of much business, rather the
residence of gentlemen of fortune; formerly it was the seat of
government and Dunmore's late residence. A neat public building, called
the capitol, fronts the principal street; upon the first floor is a
handsome marble statue of William Pitt.
The presence of so many general officers, and the arrival of new
corps, seem to give additional life to everything; discipline the order
of the day. In all directions troops seen exercising and manoeuvring.
Baron Steuben, our great military oracle. The guards attend the grand
parade at an early hour, where the Baron is always found waiting with
one or two aids on horseback. These men are exercised and put through
various evolutions and military experiments for two hours - many officers
and spectators present; excellent school, this. At length the duty of
the parade comes on. The guards are told off; officers take their posts,
wheel by platoons to the right; fine corps of music detailed for this
duty, which strikes up; the whole march off, saluting the Baron and
field officer of the day, as they pass. Pennsylvania brigade almost all
old soldiers, and well disciplined when compared with those of Maryland
and Virginia. But the troops from the eastward far superior to either.
25th.-
Joined by the last of the troops from the eastward. French encamped
a few miles on the right; busy in getting cannon and military stores
from on board the vessels.
28th.-
The whole army moved in three divisions toward the enemy, who were
strongly posted at York, about twelve miles distant. Their pickets and
light troops retire. We encamped about three miles off - change ground
and take a position within one mile of York; rising ground (covered with
tall handsome pines) called Pigeon Hill, separates us from a view of the
town. Enemy keep possession of Pigeon Hill. York on a high, sandy plain,
on a deep navigable river of same name. Americans on the right; French
on the left, extending on both sides of the river; preparations for a
siege. One-third of the army on fatigue every day, engaged in various
duties, making gabions, fascines, saucissons, &c., and great
exertions and labor in getting on the heavy artillery. Strong covering
parties (whole regiments) moved from camp as soon as dark, and lay all
night upon their arms between us and the enemy. Our regiment, when on
this duty, were under cover, and secured from the shot by Pigeon Hill;
now and then a heavy shot from the enemy's works reached our camp. Our
patrols, and those of the British, met occasionally in the dark,
sometimes a few shot were exchanged - would generally retire. Colonel
Schamel, adjutant-general to the army, with two or three attendants, on
a party of observation, ventured rather close; they were seen and
intercepted by a few smart horsemen from the British. Schamel forced his
way through, and got back to camp, but received a wound, of which he
died next day. His death was lamented, and noticed by the
Commander-in-chief in his orders. Possession taken of Pigeon Hill, and
temporary work erected. Generals and engineers, in viewing and surveying
the ground, are always fired upon and sometimes pursued. Escorts and
covering parties stationed at convenient distances under cover of wood,
rising ground, &c., afford support. This business reminds me of a
play among the boys, called Prison-base.
At length, everything in readiness, a division of the army broke
ground on the night of the 6th of October, and opened the first parallel
about six hundred yards from the works of the enemy. Every exertion to
annoy our men, who were necessarily obliged to be exposed about the
works; however, the business went on, and on the 9th our cannon and
mortars began to play. The scene viewed from the camp now was grand,
particularly after dark - a number of shells from the works of both
parties passing high in the air, and descending in a curve, each with a
long train of fire, exhibited a brilliant spectacle. Troops in three
divisions manned the lines alternately. We were two nights in camp and
one in the lines; relieved about ten o'clock. Passed and repassed by a
covert way leading to the parallel.
Oct. 11th.-
Second parallel thrown up within three hundred yards of the main
works of the enemy; new batteries erected, and additional number of
cannon brought forward - some twenty-four pounders and heavy mortars and
howitzers. A tremendous fire now opened from all the new works, French
and American. The heavy cannon directed against the embrasures and guns
of the enemy. Their pieces were soon silenced, broke and dismantled.
Shells from behind their works still kept up. Two redoubts advanced of
their lines, and within rifle shot of our second parallel, much in the
way. These forts or redoubts were well secured by a ditch and picket,
sufficiently high parapet, and within were divisions made by rows of
casks ranged upon end and filled with earth and sand. On tops of parapet
were ranged bags filled with sand - a deep narrow ditch communicating with
their main lines. On the night of the 14th, shortly after dark, these
redoubts were taken by storm; the one on our right, by the Marquis, with
part of his light infantry - the other, more to our left, but partly
opposite the centre of the British lines, by the French. Our batteries
had kept a constant fire upon the redoubts through the day. Belonged
this evening to a command detailed for the purpose of supporting the
Marquis. The night was dark and favorable. Our batteries had
ceased - there appeared to be a dead calm; we followed the infantry and
halted about half way - kept a few minutes in suspense, when we were
ordered to advance. The business was over, not a gun was fired by the
assailants; the bayonet only was used; ten or twelve of the infantry
were killed. French had to contend with a post of more force - their loss
was considerable. Colonel Hamilton led the Marquis' advance; the British
sentries hailed them - no answer made. They also hailed the French, "Who
comes there?" were answered, "French grenadiers." Colonel Walter Stewart
commanded the regiment of reserve which accompanied the Marquis; they
were immediately employed in connecting, by a ditch and parapet, the
two redoubts, and completing and connecting the same with our second
parallel. The British were soon alarmed; some from each of the
redoubts made their escape. The whole enemy were under arms - much
firing round all their lines, but particularly toward our regiment,
where the men were at work; the shot passed over. In about three
quarters of an hour we were under cover. Easy digging; light sandy
ground.
15th.-
Heavy fire from our batteries all day. A shell from one of the
French mortars set fire to a British frigate; she burnt to the water's
edge, and blew up - made the earth shake. Shot and shell raked the town in
every direction. Bomb-proofs the only place of safety.
16th.-
Just before day the enemy made a sortie, spiked the guns in two
batteries and retired. Our troops in the parallel scarcely knew of their
approach until they were off; the thing was done silently and in an
instant. The batteries stood in advance of the lines, and none within
but artillery. This day, the 16th, our division manned the lines - firing
continued without intermission. Pretty strong detachments posted in each
battery over night.
17th.-
In the morning, before relief came, had the pleasure of seeing a
drummer mount the enemy's parapet, and beat a parley, and immediately an
officer, holding up a white handkerchief, made his appearance outside
their works; the drummer accompanied him, beating. Our batteries ceased.
An officer from our lines ran and met the other, and tied the
handkerchief over his eyes. The drummer sent back, and the British
officer conducted to a house in rear of our lines. Firing ceased
totally.
18th.-
Several flags pass and repass now even without the drum. Had we not
seen the drummer in his red coat when he first mounted, he might have
beat away till doomsday. The constant firing was too much for the sound
of a single drum; but when the firing ceased, I thought I never heard a
drum equal to it - the most delightful music to us all.
19th.-
Our division man the lines again. All is quiet. Articles of
capitulation signed; detachments of French and Americans take possession
of British forts. Major Hamilton commanded a battalion which took
possession of a fort immediately opposite our right and on the bank of
York river. I carried the standard of our regiment on this occasion. On
entering the fort, Baron Steuben, who accompanied us, took the standard
from me and planted it himself. The British army parade and march out
with their colors furled; drums beat as if they did not care how.
Grounded their arms and returned to town. Much confusion and riot among
the British through the day; many of the soldiers were intoxicated;
several attempts in course of the night to break open stores; an
American sentinel killed by a British soldier with a bayonet; our
patrols kept busy. Glad to be relieved from this disagreeable station.
Negroes lie about, sick and dying, in every stage of the small pox.
Never was in so filthy a place - some handsome houses, but prodigiously
shattered. Vast heaps of shot and shells lying about in every quarter,
which came from our works. The shells did not burst, as was expected.
Returns of British soldiers, prisoners six thousand, and seamen about
one thousand. Lord Cornwallis excused himself from marching out with the
troops; they were conducted by General O'Hara. Our loss said to be about
three hundred; that of the enemy said not more than five hundred and
fifty. Fine supply of stores and merchandise had; articles suitable for
clothing were taken for the use of the army. A portion furnished each
officer to the amount of sixty dollars.
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