Commiffioners to confult on terms for the furrender of the pofts of York and Gloucefter. This letter (the firft that had paffed between us) opened a correfpondence, a copy of which I do myself the honour to inclofe; that correfpondence was followed by the definitive capitulation, which was agreed to and figned on the 19th, copy of which is herewith transmitted; and which I hope will meet with the approbation of Congress. I fhould be wanting in the feelings of gratitude, did I not mention on this occafion with the warmest fenfe of acknowledgment, the very cheerful and able affiftance which I have received in the courfe of our operations, from his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau -Nothing could equal this zeal of our allies, but the imitating fpirit of the American officers, whofe ardour would not fuffer their exertions to be exceeded. The very uncommon degree of duty and fatigue, which the nature of the service required from the officers of engineers and ar tillery of both armies, obliges me particularly to mention the obligations I am under to the commanding and other officers of those corps. I wish it was in my power to express to Congress, how much I feel myself indebted to the Count de Graffe and the officers of the fleet under his command, for the diftinguished aid and fupport which has been afforded by them, between whom and the army, the most happy concurrence of fentiments and views have fubfifted, and from whom every poffible co-operation has been experienced, which the most harmonious intercourfe could afford. Returns of the prifoners, military stores, ordnance, shipping, and other matters, I shall do myself the honour to transmit to Congress as soon as they can be collected by the heads of departments to which they belong. Col. Laurens, and the Viscount de Noailles on the part of the combined army, were the gentlemen who acted as commiffioners for forming and fettling the terms of capitula tion and furrender, herewith transmitted, to whom I am particularly obliged for their readiness and attention exhibited on the occafion. Col. Tilghman, one of my Aids-de-Camp, will have the honour to deliver these dispatches to your Excellency; he will be able to inform you of every minute circumftance which is not particularly mentioned in my letter. His merits, which are too well known to need any observations at this time, have gained my particular attention, and I could wish that they may be honoured by the notice of your Excellency and Congress. Your Excellency and Congress, will be pleased to accept my congratulations on this happy event, and believe me to be, with the highest respect and efteem, Sir, your Excellency's, Moft obedient bumble Servant. GEO. WASHINGTON. P. S. Though I am not poffeffed of the particular returns, yet I have reason to fup pose that the number of prisoners will be between five and fix thousand, exclufive of feamen and others. His Excellency the I PROPOSE a ceffation of hoftilities for 24 hours, and that two officers may be appointed by each fide to meet at Mr. Moore's house, to fettle terms for the furrender of the pofts of York and Gloucefter. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, And bumble Servant, CORNWALLIS. To his Excellency Gen. Washington, commanding the combined forces of France and America. I No. II. Camp, before York, 17th October, 1781. HAVE had the honour of receiving your An ardent defire to spare the further effufion of blood will readily incline me to listen to fuch terms for the furrender of your pofts of York and Gloucester as are admiffible. I wish previous to the meeting of Commiffioners, that your Lordship's proposals in writing may be fent to the American lines; for which purpose a suspension of hoftilities during two hours from the delivery of this letter will be granted. I have the honour to be, My Lord, His Excellency Gen. Earl 1 |