Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805 [Articles of capitulation settled at Yorktown]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09555 Author/Creator: Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805 Place Written: Yorktown, Virginia Type: Manuscript document Date: 19 October 1781 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; 31.3 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
List of articles dictating the surrender of Cornwallis (Lieutenant General of Britain) to George Washington, the Count de Rochambeau (Lieutenant General of the French army), and the Comte de Grasse (Lieutenant General of the naval armies of France). Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide de camp. Shaw has penned the signature "Thomas Symonds." Shaw apparently also attempted to create with the same pen a look-alike signature of Cornwallis. Symonds was the commander of British naval forces in the York River. Article one indicates that the garrisons of York and Gloucester, British seamen, and other mariners will surrender themselves as prisoners of war to the forces of America and France. Article four allows officers to retain their arms and renders them exempt from search. Article seven indicates that officers may keep soldiers as servants. Eight allows for the sloop Bonetta to remain at the disposal of Cornwallis. Article ten prevents natives from being punished for joining the British army.
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