The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.6
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1781 medal: British Capitulate at Yorktown
Cornwallis felt he had to subdue Virginia in order to hold the Carolina's. Early in August, 1781, he built fortifications at Yorktown near Chesapeake Bay where it would be possible to have the support of the British navy. Lafayette faced him with 5,000 men.
General Washington planned to attack Clinton in New York with help from Rochambeau in Newport. But he needed naval support and Admiral de Grasse, sailing from the West Indies with 28 ships, wanted to blockade the Chesapeake. Washington changed plans in mid-August and decided to attack Cornwallis instead. Using a diversion to make Clinton think New York was still the objective, it was September 2nd and the American and French troops were nearly to Philadelphia before Clinton relaized that Yorktown was their real objective.
For once, all of the allied armies and naval forces arrived as planned. Cornwallis' fortifications were bombarded. He expected to escape the trap by sea. But the ships and reinforcements Clinton promised to send on October 5 were not able to sail until the 19th and on that day Cornwallis surrendered his over 7000 men.
Cornwallis pleaded illness and sent Brigadier General O'Hara to surrender his sword. Not to be outdone, Washington had his deputy, General Lincoln, accept it. Out the British came and stacked their arms while the band played the prophetic notes fo "The World Turned Upside Down."
1931
