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91. The Siege of Yorktown
BY A CHAPLAIN (1781)
TO-DAY some of the troops arrived. General Washington arrived from the French fleet. The vessel he came in ran aground.[219]
Sunday, 23d. General Lincoln returned to-day ~rom the mouth of the river, having been down to supply the troops with provisions. His vessel ran aground, and he was in great danger. I went to Williamsburgh and preached to the light infantry commanded by the Marquis De la Fayette.
28th. This day we marched to a place which is about two miles from the town of York.
29th. Our troops lay on their arms last night and expected an attack from the enemy; but they did not disturb us. This day the whole army approached the enemy's lines. A cannonade from the enemy took place, but we received very little injury.
October 2d. The firing of the enemy has continued all day, in order to annoy our men who are working on a redoubt. No men have been killed to-day in the American camp.
3d. This day the firing from the enemy abated. Last night four men were killed in our camp by one cannon ball by the enemy.
5th. Preparations are making to besiege the enemy with great vigor. Our troops vie with each other in the performance of duty and the love of danger.
9th. This day an American battery of six guns, eighteen and twenty four pounders, and four mortars began to play on the town.
10th. Last night the cannonade and bombardment did not cease. A second American battery is opened, and a French battery increases the horrors of war. The British batteries are mostly silent.
11th. A cannonade and bombardment continued through the greater part of last night. All day the engines of war have raged with redoubled fury. Two of the enemy's ships were burned last night; one to-day. They were fired by red-hot shot from a battery under the direction of Simon de St. Simon. I have heard of no man being killed to-day.
12th. The French have this day played upon the enemy from seven batteries. The horrors of war must have been very evident to our enemies.
13th. Last night the firing of the enemy was very constant and severe.
Sunday, 14th. No cessation of firing last night. This day Captain White and four soldiers were killed, and ten wounded in our trenches.
15th. Last night an attack was made on two redoubts of the enemy. They were both carried in the most gallant and enterprising manner.
The American light infantry, under the Marquis De La Fayette, in storming the redoubt had about eight killed and but four wounded. None of the enemy were put to death after they asked for mercy. This is an evidence of the generosity and humanity which dwell in the breasts of Americans, when they have a cruel and unmerciful enemy in their power.
17th. This day we opened some batteries on the second parallel, and are almost prepared to cannonade and bombard the town with seventy pieces of ordnance. The cannonade of to-day has been prevented by the arrival of a flag from the enemy.
They request a cessation of arms for twenty four hours; also desire to know upon what conditions the garrison may expect to surrender. General Washington informed them what terms he would give them. He has allowed them only two hours to consider them and to give an answer.
Four years ago to-day Burgoyne and his whole army surrendered to the United States. That signal instance of the smiles of heaven, and what we now have in prospect, should make us very thankful to Almighty God.
18th. This day the enemy have agreed to surrender themselves prisoners of war to the combined arms of France and America. Hallelujah!
19th. This day the enemy marched out of their works and laid down their arms. Some French and American troops have taken possession of the town.
20th. What an alteration do we find! The fields and plains, which so lately were the theatres of death and carnage, are now places of safety, and peace!
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