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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
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