[5] William W. Reynolds, Virginia State and Continental Regiments at the Siege of Yorktown, Military Collector & Historian 68 (2016): 347. Benedict Arnold. The siege was a decisive Franco-American victory: after the surrender of British Lt. Gen. Charles, Earl Cornwallis on October 17, the government of Lord North fell, and its replacement entered into peace negotiations that resulted . Colonial National Historical Park preserves the Yorktown Battlefield, one of the most pivotal Revolutionary War battlefields and a must-see for any Revolutionary War enthusiast. William Feltman (Philadelphia: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1853), 18; Diary of Captain James Duncan, of Colonel Moses Hazens Regiment in the Yorktown Campaign, 1781, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series (Harrisburg: E.K. The siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German battle, ending on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia, was a decisive victory by a combined force of the American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and French Army troops led [6], Washington next ordered Brig. Over 33 million records are contained in this database. 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They surprised the British in a siege that turned the tide toward an American victory in the War for Independence. Oct . on the Internet. Records of some soldiers children may be found among the papers of the Duke of Yorks School and the Royal Hibernian School in WO 143, from 1801. 19, 1781 [3] The seven companies are mentioned in the assignments for responsibility of ordnance in Regimental Orders, October 1, 1781, Orderly Book of the Second Regiment of Continental Artillery, MS2003.12, Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia. George Hunter An official form of the United States government. Knoxs direction to use ricochet firing and the extensive use of howitzers and mortars reduced the need for observing precisely where each round landed, facilitating night firing. The march they chose was The World Turned Upside Down. The anecdote was told second hand by a Maj. William Jackson of Philadelphia, who claimed to have received the information from Lt. Col. John Laurens. In response, Cornwallis asked Clinton for aid, and the general promised him a fleet of 5,000 British soldiers would set sail from New York to Yorktown. The musters are bound together in annual volumes for each regiment and are held in the War Office (WO) series, listed below. British redoubts #9 and #10 prevent the second parallel from extending to the river and the British are still able to reinforce the garrisons inside the redoubts. Subscribe to the American Battlefield Trust's quarterly email series of curated stories for the curious-minded sort! Oct . How Well Do You Know the Siege of Yorktown? Assault upon Quebec, Dec. 31, 1775. . Forty percent of the American rounds fired were from mortars and howitzers, accounting for nearly seventy percent of the weight of metal fired. Stivors The 1st Continental Artillery Regiment, raised in Virginia and commanded by Col. Charles Harrison, had marched from New York in April 1780 to the support of Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, whose force was under siege at Charleston, South Carolina. The text in the cartouche of the Bauman Map of the Siege of Yorktown, Library of Congress File G3884.Y6S3 1782.B3, states that eighteen pieces of artillery were in service by October 10, 1782, and Maj. Bauman was a particularly qualified source of such information. 19, 1781 The American conflict was unpopular and divisive, and there was no end in sight. The Founding Father wasnt the top pick of Major General Marquis de Lafayette for the job, but Hamilton, who wanted to improve his reputation by proving himself on the battlefield, talked Washington into it. pp. In the afternoon, the Allied barrage begins, with the French opening the salvo. They also assisted Capt. However, Denny observed the shells did not burst, as was expected, inferring a problem with fuses. All Rights Reserved. 10. 2. One of the militiamen, Peter Peiner, died after being wounded during the day beginning October 16, for a total of four killed and five wounded among the artillerymen out of the total American casualties of twenty-four killed and sixty-five wounded. Aerial. In 1776 the available militia in Virginia is thought to have been about 45,000 men; 09:00 to 17:00. Washingtons fame grew to international proportions having wrested such an impossible victory, according to the Washington Library, interrupting his much desired Mount Vernon retirement with greater calls to public service., READ MORE:Explore George Washington's life in our interactive timeline. As the work on the parallels continues, the British attempt to disrupt Allied operations by using what little artillery they have left. Access to Military Service and Pension Records. These show a total of 235 officers and men which, with the addition of regimental staff, is consistent with the total of 242 in the October 1, 1781 return. There are also description books for the Royal Artillery, 1749-1863 and 1773-1876, in WO 54/260-309 and WO 69/74-80, respectively, and for the Royal Irish Artillery, 1756-1774, in WO 69/620. The outcome in Yorktown, Virginia marked the conclusion of the last major battle of the American Revolution and the start of a new nation's independence. Private Donald McNeal What song did the British actually play as they surrendered at Yorktown? To identify state and military unit of interest . The Battle of Yorktown proved to be the decisive engagement of the American Revolution. The Field Officer of the Trenches was also supposed to report daily on the apparent effect on the enemys works of the bombardment, but the fact that none of the nine reports contain such information indicates that the damage to the British works was obvious. General Nathanael Greene had taken over command of the American Continental Army in the South. While daylight probably saw more action than nighttime, Washington was determined to force the British to surrender before reinforcements arrived and directed that the bombardment continue around the clock. Your email address will not be published. Proclaimed traitors to the US 1778. Washington ordered the construction of large camps with huge brick bread ovens where Clinton could see them to create the illusion that the Continental Army was preparing for a long stay. Every two days each pair of officers switched assignments between the batteries and the park. The attack on redoubt No. York Dodging heavy fire, they let out war whoops that startled their enemies. Muster Roll Search the online database of people who served at Valley Forge. To maintain stealth, soldiers do not to load or prime their weapons. To do this, you should consult the Army List. The superb work of the French gunners at Yorktown deserves an account of its own. While he awaits supplies and much-needed reinforcements from the Royal Navy, the Continental Army seizes an opportunity. By October 9, 1781 tens of thousands of manhours had been expended building fortifications and batteries in the first parallel and hauling siege weapons across the peninsula from the James River to the Yorktown lines. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Oct . 19, 1781 Two-thirds of his attack force carried 250-kilogram semi armor-piercing bombs against Yorktown while the others carried high explosive bombs against the ship's crew. The first American gun was fired from the Grand American Battery late in the afternoon of October 9 followed by round-the-clock bombardment of British lines by American and French gunners. 4, (Autumn Private Capt. Washington also prepared false papers discussing attack plans on Clinton, and let these papers fall into British hands.. Gen. Henry Knox directed Col. John Lamb, commanding the 2nd Artillery, to begin the march towards Yorktown early on August 19. This muster roll is from 1782 a year after the Battle of Yorktown Virginia. However, Paul Aussaresses, Lartillerie francaise au siege de Yorktown (1781), Revue Historique de lArmee 26 (2) (1970): 38 stated that the French had deployed sixty-four pieces, though that double-counted pieces in the first and second parallel. After the British had been escorted away towards prisoner of war camps, the artillerymen loaded the siege guns and supplies on transports for return up the Chesapeake Bay. Sick at F The 3rd Regiment had been raised primarily in Massachusetts. Analysis of the Legion Muster Rolls. New Yorker Assortment, 1 Box. It was obvious that the Americans needed a big victory if they were to convince the peace conference in Europe that they had a right to demand independence for all thirteen colonies, writes Thomas Fleming in his book,Yorktown. [9], Knox undoubtedly knew before he left New York that he would not have trained gunners sufficient for the number of pieces of siege artillery he planned to take to Yorktown, and this muster provided confirmation. For the militias contribution see William W. Reynolds, The Virginia Militia at the Siege of Yorktown, Military Collector & Historian 67 (2015): 175-176. Journal of the American Revolution also produces annual hardcover volumes, a branded book series, and the podcast, Dispatches. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783; Microfilm Publication M246, 138 rolls; NAID: 602384; War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93; The National Archives in Washington, D.C. Brown, The American Campaigns of Rochambeaus Army 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783 (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1972), 1:33; Claude C. Sturgill, ed., Rochambeaus Memoire de la Guerre en Amerique, The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 78 (Jan. 1970): 61; Marquis de Chastellux, Travels in North America, in the Years 1780, 1781, and 1782 (London: G.G. Private Search New Jersey Revolutionary War Rolls, . Thanks! Sick at F Francis Bilas The new line is in place by the morning of October 12. The siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German battle because of the presence of Germans in all three armies, began September 28, 1781 and ended on October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia. The war with Britain had reached a stalemate. John Althause Jr Sergt. Of the four Continental artillery regiments that existed at the time, only the 2nd and 3rd were with the army in New York and the 3rd was to remain there in a defensive posture. Oct . It is from the archives in Ottawa Canada. If you are searching within WO 69, search by name of non-commissioned officer or soldier within WO 69. Uploaded by Missing Gen. Anthony Wayne to reinforce Lafayette with his 1,200 Pennsylvanians including about one hundred officers and men of the 4th Continental Artillery Regiment. A-024. Surrender at Ebenezer Denny, Military Diary of Major Ebenezer Denny (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1859), 45, reported vast heaps of shot and shells lying about in every quarter, which came from our works which is not surprising for shot since the American gunners sent a total of 3,312 rounds into the town. Try an Ancestry.com Free Trial Their forces were well-equipped and expertly trained. Surrender of Conwallis. Every purchase supports the mission. To view the muster roll or pay list itself you will need to order the original document. Their attempts prove futile. October 19. Private Sick at F 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272, National Archives Building in Washington, DC, National Archives at College Park, Maryland, Know Your Records: U.S. Navy Muster Rolls and Personnel Diaries, How to File a FOIA Request for Archival Records. This small diverse group performed brilliantly, winning the respect of their French counterparts. This series of battles and Nixon's presence in New York starting in July further support the idea that Freeman served at Saratoga and not Brandywine and witnessed a pivotal turning point in the American Revolution. present After a grueling march, the American and French forces arrive near Yorktown and immediately begin the hard work of laying siege to Cornwallis and his men. The Battle of Yorktown marks the collapse of the British war efforts. Lafayettes force arrived at Richmond in late April and spent the spring and summer maneuvering against British forces under Gen. William Phillips, and after his death under Lt. Gen. Charles, Lord Cornwallis. Althause is my 2nd New Jersey Regiment (aka The Western Battalion) . Fredk. Box 210 Yorktown, VA 23690 Phone: 757 898-2410. Knox rotated this duty among the company officers of all four Continental artillery regiments. On receiving word that the French fleet will be available for a siege south of New Jersey,Washington and Rochambeau move their force of almost 8,000 men south to Virginia, planning to join and lead about 12,000 other militia, French troops, and Continental troops in a siege of Yorktown. Private John Cochran. They provide a soldiers: From about 1868 musters may also include Marriage Rolls giving details of children and wives occupying married quarters. Archives, Open Government Licence Within each category the records are arranged as follows: U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970, U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900, Provided in association with National Archives and Records Administration. The field officer of the batteries provided a daily written report to Knox of ammunition used at each artillery position, furnishing a useful picture today of the American gunners activity. [1], Gen. George Washingtons determination of units from the American Army in New York that would march to Yorktown in August 1781 included only one artillery regiment, the 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment. Journal Of The Brigade Of The American Revolution vol. On October 18, 1781, the British army surrendered at Yorktown. [16] Orderly Books for Col. John Lambs Second Regiment, New York Historical Society, entries for October 8-12, 1781; Daily Reports by Field Officers of the Batteries, GLC02437.01218, 01219, 01222, 01226, 01227, 01228, 01229, 01232, and 01234, GLI; Adrian B. Caruana, British Artillery Ammunition 1780 (Alexandria Bay, NY: Museum Restoration Service, 1979), 20-21. Thus it was a reduced contingent of the 4th Continental Artillery that was available to Knox in September. 19, 1781 Contact Us Tools. General Knox ordered Colonel Lamb to take charge of transporting the artillery and supplies, including captured pieces, to Philadelphia and the 2nd Continental Artillery accompanied the guns there before going into winter quarters at Burlington, New Jersey. The Legion Muster Rolls from February 23, 1781 through February 23, 1782 listed the names of a large number of enlisted members as being a prisoner as of January 17, 1781 (the date of the Cowpens battle) or as of February 23, 1781 (the date of the first muster roll prepared after the battle). Surrounded by enemy fire, and blocked from receiving aid by the French fleet that had arrived in Chesapeake Bay, Cornwallis was trapped. Copyright 1996-presentThese pages may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my written consent. Oct . But historians have said it cannot be true. 19, 1781 To browse this image set, select from the options below. $249.99 Add to Favorites . Chester County Revolutionary War reparation requests & reported losses. is my 5x gr. If a soldier did not receive an army pension then these may be the only records that survive for him. $99.99 Add to Favorites . Private 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Record types contained in this collection include: Revolutionary War American Forces included various organizations formed by the Continental Congress as well as individual states, counties, and towns. As long as a round landed behind British lines, Washingtons goal was achieved. John Althause and John Ludwig De Beck and John Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! Capt. Today, well preserved Union and Confederate Our FREE Virtual Teacher Institute is the can't miss online educator event of the summer. October 17. Militia, United States -- History Revolution, 1775-1783 Regimental histories, Pennsylvania -- History Revolution, 1775-1783 Sources, United States -- History Revolution, 1775-1783 Registers Publisher Information available in the index includes: Use this information to then find the corresponding image of the record on which the soldier appears. Lieut. In 1777, a delegation headed by Benjamin Franklin arrived at the court of Louis XVI to negotiate an alliance between the United States and France. Of his 400 infantrymen, Hamilton lost just nine in the attack, with some 30 wounded, while the 400 French-led troops lost 27 men, with 109 wounded, according to Fleming. In Calculation of Artillery & for operation, GLC02437.9947, GLI, Knox speculated the French could furnish a total of twenty-eight pieces. It is important to view the image of the original record as additional information about the individual will likely be listed.

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