The Road to Yorktown by Norman Desmarais

Author:Norman Desmarais [Desmarais, Norman]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781611214833
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Savas Beatie
Published: 2021-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

Camp at Williamsburg

They came to camp at Williamsburg on the 23rd at which time our generals returned from the Ville de Paris.

They were 8 miles from Williamsburg at the mouth of Queens Creek on the 24th. From here we can see very far up the York River to observe any enemy movement on this river.

The Baron de Vioménil arrived the same day, from Annapolis, on board the Romulus with most of the French troops. They all landed on the 25th and came to camp at Williamsburg on the 26th.

Lord Cornwallis could not have learned calmly about all the preparations. We learned, from a deserter that he captured 400 Negroes who worked day and night. They cut down the pine trees which surrounded York to block the way and to make abatis. He employed 1800 workers continually at these works.

The 64-gun Triton and the 64-gun Vaillant and the frigate Railleuse were still in the York River. Cornwallis sent fire ships toward them during the night of the 26th. They were diverted with difficulty. When they came very close, many sailors, frightened at the approach of danger, jumped in the shallops instead of working. Many others jumped in the water and most of them drowned. But the greatest misfortune that occurred was the brawl which the Triton caused when she came alongside the Vaillant.

Our field artillery, embarked at Annapolis, was landed at the same time at College Landing near Williamsburg.

In addition to the post at York, the enemy were masters of Gloucester on the left bank of this river. They had constructed many earthworks for its defense.

To prepare for the investment, Mr. Washington requested Governor Nelson to have 800 militiamen march there. They mustered promptly under the command of Brigadier General Weeden who was ready to march at the first order. Lauzun’s cavalry had also arrived in the area and camped at North Creek.113 Mr. de Rochambeau had the infantry of this corps parade along with Mr. de Choisy to command the entire siege in this difficult area. There were also under his command 800 garrison troops whom Mr. de Grasse landed from the vessels.

Governor Nelson placed himself aside of us at the head of 1200 militiamen. Finally, everything we could expect of the troops camped since the 27th, was a day of rest for everyone after the fatigues which we all experienced by land or by sea.

Lord Cornwallis, on his side, did not remain inactive. He put everything in motion for a strong defense. It is surprising that he did not send out some parties, some reconnaissance to observe us.

At dawn on the 28th, the allied army composed of 5000 Americans of the Continental Army, 1200 Virginia militiamen and 8000 French marched for the siege of York. The Americans, as nationals, were at the head. There are 12 miles between Williamsburg and York and this route is covered with woods. We could have taken several excellent positions, which were very long and difficult to capture, for its defense, but we found

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