Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to John Adams

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GLC#
GLC02437.01251-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
21 October 1781
Author/Creator
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Title
to John Adams
Place Written
Yorktown, Virginia
Pagination
6 p. : Height: 25.1 cm, Width: 20.3 cm
Primary time period
American Revolution, 1763-1783
Sub-Era
The War for Independence

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.

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