Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01244 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Yorktown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1781 Pagination: 4 p. + docket Order a Copy
Announces that "a glorious moment for America" has arrived, Lord Cornwallis has surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown. Discusses how General Washington refused Cornwallis' request that Britons and Germans be sent back to their countries prior to his surrender, instead giving the British Army the same terms that the Americans received upon their surrender at Charleston in 1780. Washington has ordered Knox to headquarters immediately. Clement Biddle has written Knox to tell him his daughter Lucy is well. Tells his wife he will send her his most recent letter from his brother William Knox, who is tending their financial affairs. Looks forward to seeing her in November. Communicates message from William regarding Lucy's connections in England. Knox has informed George Washington and John Parke Custis of William's trip to Europe. Reports that Martha Washington and Eleanor Calvert Custis are in Williamsburg, Virginia.
[draft]
Camp before York 8 oClock A.M. 19th October
I have detaind William untill this moment that I might be the first to communicate good news to the Charmer of my soul. a glorious moment for America! This day Lord Cornwallis & his Army marches out & piles their Arms in the face of our victorious Army. The day before Yesterday he desir'd commissioners might be named to treat [of the] surrender of his troops, their ships and every thing they possess. he at first requested that the Britons might be sent to Britain & the Germans [2] to Germany. but this the General refused, and they have now agreed to surrender prisoners of War to be kept in America untill exchanged or released - They will have the same honors as the Garrison of Charlestown - that is they will not be permitted to unfurl their Colours [inserted: or play Yankee doodle] We know not yet how many they are - The General has just requested me to be at head quarters instantly - therefore I cannot be more particular - I have a note from Biddle Lucy is well & perfectly contented [3] - I send you the last letter I recd of my Brother by which you will see in some degree the state of our affairs which are not bad.
I wish your situation had been such as to have come with Mrs Washington, Truth is that you might have done it with out the least particle of injury - I shall see you if possible by the 12th, 15 or 20th of next month. how much I long for the happy moment! -
I forgot one circumstance Billy wrote us in a letter which I cant find that the Miss C[ummings] [4] from Halifax send their love to you by one of your your Cousin Waldos that they had just heard from England and that your dear connections were all well - excuse this hasty scrawl - William will be able to inform you how little time I have had even for sleep
Adieu the best beloved of my heart. and believe me to be your ever affectionate
Love - HKnox
I have informed his Excellency the General, and Mr Custis of Williams journy but they think Mrs Washington & Mrs Custis are at Wmsburg.
[docket]
Capture of Cornwallis
19 Oct 1781
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