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The American Revolutionary War
Vocabulary
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British: Refers to the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish people of the British Isles.
Loyalist: A colonist that wanted the 13 Colonies to remain in the British Empire.
Patriot: A colonist that was for independence from the British Empire.
Privateer: A pirate that worked for a nation.
Tory: A loyalist.
Whig: A patriot.
Summary - American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)
The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a
war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies on the North American
continent (as well as some naval conflict). The war was the culmination of the political American
Revolution, whereby the colonists overthrew British rule. In 1775, Revolutionaries seized control of each
of the thirteen colonial governments, set up the Second Continental Congress, and formed a Continental
Army. The following year, they formally declared their independence as a new nation, the United States
of America. From 1778 onward, other European powers would fight on the American side in the war.
Meanwhile, Native Americans and African Americans served on both sides.
Throughout the war, the British were able to use their naval superiority to capture and occupy coastal
cities, but control of the countryside (where 90% of the population lived) largely eluded them due to
their relatively small land army. In early 1778, shortly after an American victory at Saratoga, France
entered the war against Britain; Spain and the Netherlands joined as allies of France over the next two
years. French involvement proved decisive, with a French naval victory in the Chesapeake leading to the
surrender of a British army at Yorktown in 1781. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 ended the war and
recognized the sovereignty of the United States over the territory bounded by what is now Canada to
the north, Florida to the south, and the Mississippi River to the west.
The war of American independence could be summed up as a civil war fought on foreign soil, as
opposing forces comprised both nations' residents. That said, it is a war that America could not have
survived without French assistance. In addition, Britain had significant military disadvantages. Distance
was a major problem: most troops and supplies had to be shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. The British
usually had logistical problems whenever they operated away from port cities, while the Americans had
local sources of manpower and food and were more familiar with (and acclimated to) the territory.
Additionally, ocean travel meant that British communications were always about two months out of
date: by the time British generals in America received their orders from London, the military situation
had usually changed.
Suppressing a rebellion in America also posed other problems. Since the colonies covered a large area
and had not been united before the war, there was no central area of strategic importance. In Europe,
the capture of a capital often meant the end of a war; in America, when the British seized cities such as
New York and Philadelphia, the war continued unabated. Furthermore, the large size of the colonies
The American Revolutionary War
meant that the British lacked the manpower to control them by force. Once any area had been
occupied, troops had to be kept there or the Revolutionaries would regain control, and these troops
were thus unavailable for further offensive operations. The British had sufficient troops to defeat the
Americans on the battlefield but not enough to simultaneously occupy the colonies. This manpower
shortage became critical after French and Spanish entry into the war, because British troops had to be
dispersed in several theaters, where previously they had been concentrated in America.
The British also had the difficult task of fighting the war while simultaneously retaining the allegiance of
Loyalists. Loyalist support was important, since the goal of the war was to keep the colonies in the
British Empire, but this imposed numerous military limitations. Early in the war, the Howe brothers
served as peace commissioners while simultaneously conducting the war effort, a dual role which may
have limited their effectiveness. Additionally, the British could have recruited more slaves and Native
Americans to fight the war, but this would have alienated many Loyalists, even more so than the
controversial hiring of German mercenaries. The need to retain Loyalist allegiance also meant that the
British were unable to use the harsh methods of suppressing rebellion they employed in Ireland and
Scotland. Even with these limitations, many potentially neutral colonists were nonetheless driven into
the ranks of the Revolutionaries because of the war. This combination of factors led ultimately to the
downfall of British rule in America and the rise of the revolutionaries' own independent nation, the
United States of America.
The American Revolutionary War
Important Events
EVENTS OF 1775
June 14, 1775 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The United States Army officially created) - The
Massachusetts Provincial Congress, aware of the necessity of enlisting the support of all of the colonies
in the struggle against the British, appealed to the Continental Congress to adopt the New England
army. Congress appointed a committee to draft regulations for a new Continental Army. On June 14,
Congress voted to adopt the measure, marking the official creation of the United States Army. Also, this
date marks the creation of the Infantry. The same day, Congress voted to raise 10 companies of
riflemen. These were the first soldiers to be enlisted directly in the Continental service- in Pennsylvania,
maryland, and Virginia, to march north to join the current force besieging Boston.
July 5, 1775 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Olive Branch Petition Written) - On July 5, the First
Continental Congress adopted the "Olive Branch Petition". This petition stated that, while reiterating the
grievances of the colonists, the Congress professed their attachments to the king of England and a desire
for a reconciliation and avoidance of any further hostile actions. King George III refused to receive the
petition, and instead, he issued his own proclamation on August 23. This proclamation declared the
colonies to be in a state of rebellion.
November 28, 1775 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Creation of the United States Navy) - On
November 28, the Continental Congress authorized the establishment of the American Navy. Although
the Navy was to play only a minor role in the war, the success of American privateers in interrupting
British trade was an important factor aiding the patriot cause.
The American Revolutionary War
EVENTS OF 1776
July 4 1776 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Declaration of Independence)- The Continental Congress
held the Virginia Convention in May, 1776. Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for the colonies to
become free and independent states. The Congress appointed a committee to draft the formal
declaration of independence. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams,
Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. This committee then chose Thomas Jefferson to write the first
draft. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, with the assistance of John
Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The document defined the rights of the people of the independent states.
On July 2, 1776, the members of the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. On
July 4, 1776, the delegates then held a second vote and approved the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock, President of the Congress and Charles Thomson, the secretary, signed the document. July
4, 1776 is officially recognized as the birth of America. The Declaration of Independence introduced a
fundamental change in the view of government. Thomas Jefferson declared that governments were
created to serve the people, and could only act with consent of the people. It created the democratic
government. The declaration consisted of two parts. The preamble describes the peoples’ rights and it
states that " all Men are created equal" and have the God-given right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of
Happiness." The second part declares independence from Britain, and lists the colonies' issues against
the British government.
EVENTS OF 1777
July 27, 1777 at Fort Edwards, New York - On July 27, Jenny McRae and Mrs. McNeil were captured by
British Maj. Gen. John Burgoyne's Indian allies, which were travelling ahead of the British army. Jenny
was a Tory girl who had lived with her brother on the Hudson River, between Saratoga and Fort Edward.
She was engaged to Lt. David Jones, a Tory in the service of Burgoyne's army. She had gone to join her
fiancé at Fort Edwards when she was captured.
The Indians started back to Fort Ann, where Burgoyne was headquartered. They arrived with McNeil and
the scalp of Jenny. Jones identified the scalp as belonging to Jenny McRae. The killer was identified but
was not punished by Burgoyne. He did not want to alienate his native allies.
The incident was used a propaganda for the local citizens. Local outrage over the killing, even though
she was a Tory, stirred the patriot cause and called to the colors the farmers of Bennington. This would
prove the undoing of Burgoyne's grand strategy.
EVENTS OF 1778
February 6, 1778 at Paris, France (The Alliance With France) - After the Battle of Saratoga, Congress
decided to seek French support in the war. They sent Benjamin Franklin, who could speak French, to
meet with King Louis XVI and the French foreign minister. France wanted to get revenge on Britain for
the defeat in the French and Indian War. They also wanted to ensure that Britain and America don't
resolve their differences. In February 1778, France and America signed a treaty which put France at war
with Britain. This treaty was the first document to officially recognize America as an independent state.
Spain, an ally of France, joined the alliance a year later. Britain was now forced to defend its own
territory of England against possible French and Spanish attacks.
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EVENTS OF 1779
June 21, 1779 in Spain (Spain declares war against Great Britain) - France induces Spain to declare war
on the British by promising to assist the Spanish in recovering Gibraltar and Florida after the British
reject the Spanish ultimatum presented to them on April 3. Spain refuses to recognize or enter into an
alliance with the United States. However, the Spanish commence joint naval operation with the French
and this assists the American cause.
EVENTS OF 1780
September 21, 1780 at West Point, Philadelphia (Benedict Arnold turns traitor ) – Patriot Maj. Gen.
Benedict Arnold was faced with financial ruin, uncertain of future promotion, and disgusted with
congressional politics. He decided to seek fame and fortune in the service of the British. With cool
calculation, he initiated correspondence with Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, the local British commander.
Arnold promised to deliver West Point and its 3,000 Patriot defenders for 20,000 sterling. He hoped that
this act would spark the collapse of the American cause. Persuading Gen. George Washington to appoint
him commander of West Point, Arnold moved in September 1780 to execute his plan. On September 21,
Maj. John Andre, Arnold's co-conspirator, came ashore near the town of Havestraw. Andre arrived
aboard the HMS Vulture. There, he met Arnold to finalize the agreement. Unfortunately for both of
them, the Vulture came under American fire and headed away. This unfortunately left Andre stranded.
He reluctantly put on some civilian clothes and headed down the Hudson River with a safe conduct pass
from Arnold. Andre was eventually captured near the town of Tarrytown. He was soon turned over to
the commander at North Castle. Found on Andre was the incriminating papers that Arnold had given
him. When Arnold was notified that a British officer had been captured, he fled by boat to the HMS
Vulture. Arnold received 6,000 Sterling from the British government and an appointment as a brigadier
general.
EVENTS OF 1781
March 1, 1781 (Articles of Confederation Are Ratified) - The Continental Congress ratifies the Articles of
Confederation initially proposed by Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776. After a long delay these articles
are sent to the individual states for ratification on November 15, 1777. Bickering over land claims
between Virginia and Maryland holds up ratification until March 1, 1781. The nation is guided by the
Articles of Confederation until the ratification of the Constitution on November 21, 1788.
EVENTS OF 1783
January 20, 1783 at Paris, France (Preliminary Articles of Peace signed) - On January 20, Great Britain,
France, and Spain signed the preliminary Articles of Peace. In doing so, this established a military
armistice both among themselves and between England and America.
November 25, 1783 at New York City, New York (The Evacuation of British troops) - On November 25,
the British force completed their troop evacuation of New York City. Also evacuating the city earlier was
about 7,000 Loyalists, heading for Maritime Provinces, Canada, and Great Britain.
The American Revolutionary War
December 4, 1783 at Staten Island, New York (The Last British troops leave) - On December 4, the
withdrawal of the last British troops from Staten Island and Long Island. This officially ended the British
occupation of the Atlantic coast of the United States.
The American Revolutionary War
Important Battles
1. Lexington and Concord, April 1775
Although more a series of skirmishes than a pitched battle, this clash of arms was the result of
tensions that had built over a long period and changed the conflict from politics and social unrest
to open warfare. “Ever since the 19th, we have been kept in constant alarm; all Officers order’d
to lay at their barracks.”
2. Bunker Hill, June 1775
This costly British victory helped shape the early course of the war by proving that intimidating
force alone would not bring about victory. It also proved that there was no going back: the war
would be a long one with no immediate diplomatic solution. “I believe the regulars will hardly
venture out, for they must lose a vast many men if they should, and they cannot afford to
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purchase every inch of ground as they did at Charlestown.”
3. Quebec, December 1775
A series of American victories along the waterways from Lake Champlain into Canada ended at
Quebec. Had Americans seized the city, the entire northern theater of the war would have been
different. “A heterogeneal concatenation of the most peculiar and unparalleled rebuffs and
sufferings that are perhaps to be found in the annals of any nation…”[3]
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4. Charleston, June 1776
Often disregarded as a minor action, the British failure to take this major seaport forced the war’s
focus to be primarily in the north for the next several years. “Nothing, therefore, was now left for
us to do but to lament that the blood of brave and gallant men had been so fruitlessly spilt.”[4]
5. Trenton, December 1776
The British army’s dramatic success in New York and New Jersey in 1776 was, arguably,
predictable given its overwhelming size and skill. The sudden defeat at Trenton and the ten days
of chaos that followed was not expected, and preserved American military will. “It is now
announced in our general orders, to our inexpressible joy and satisfaction, that the scene is in
some degree changed, the fortune of war is reversed, and Providence has been pleased to crown
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the efforts of our commander-in-chief with a splendid victory.”[5]
6. Saratoga, October 1777
It wasn’t so much any single battle but the failure of the British campaign from the north that
made this the war’s most significant military turning point. The surrender of a British army
encouraged France to openly join the conflict. “Thus ended all our hopes of victory, honour,
glory &c &c &c”[6]
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7. Rhode Island, August 1778
This failed American campaign, often overlooked as insignificant, not only stopped American
military momentum gained from Saratoga and the recovery of Philadelphia, it showed that
alliance with France would not bring a speedy end to the war. The northern theater remained in a
stalemate for the rest of the war. “There never was a greater spirit seen in America for the
expedition, and greater disappointment when Mr. Frenchman left us.”[7]
8. Kings Mountain, October 1780
The annihilation of loyalist militia on the South Carolina frontier forced the British to revise their
southern strategy and demonstrated that their overextended forces could be defeated in
detail. “The destruction of Ferguson and his corps marked the period and the extent of the first
expedition into North Carolina… the total ruin of his militia presented a gloomy prospect at the
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commencement of the campaign.”[8]
9. Cowpens, January 1781
This sudden defeat of a substantial British force stopped British offensive momentum in the
south and renewed the spirits of American forces, initiating the campaign that brought the war to
an end. “I was desirous to have a stroke at Tarleton… & I have given him a devil of a
whipping.”[9]
The American Revolutionary War
10. Yorktown, October 1781
Not a pitched battle but a protracted siege that ended in the surrender of a substantial British
army, this operation was the zenith of French-American cooperation and the end of major British
military operations in America. “The annals of history do not exhibit a more important period
than the present.”
The American Revolutionary War
General George
Washington
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (February 11,
1731, O.S.), the first son of Augustine Washington and his second wife,
Mary Ball Washington, on the family's Pope's Creek Estate near
present-day Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Washington first took a leading role in the growing colonial
resistance in 1769, when he introduced a proposal drafted by his friend
George Mason which called for Virginia to boycott imported English
goods until the Townshend Acts were repealed. Parliament repealed the
Acts in 1770. Washington also took an active interest in helping his
fellow citizens. On September 21, 1771 Washington wrote a letter to
Neil Jameson on behalf of Jonathan Plowman Jr., a merchant from
Baltimore whose ship had been seized for exporting non-permitted
items by the Boston Frigate, and requested his help toward recovery of
NAME
Washington, George
Plowman's ship. Washington regarded the passage of the Intolerable
Acts in 1774 as "an Invasion of our Rights and Privileges". In July 1774,
BORN
he chaired the meeting at which the Fairfax Resolves were adopted,
which called for, among other things, the convening of a Continental
Congress. In August, he attended the First Virginia Convention, where
he was selected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress.
After fighting broke out in April 1775, Washington appeared at
the Second Continental Congress in military uniform, signaling that he
was prepared for war. Washington had the prestige, the military
February 22, 1732
Westmoreland Co., Virginia
DIED
December 14, 1799
Mt. Vernon, Virginia
experience, the charisma and military bearing, the reputation of being a
strong patriot, and he was supported by the South, especially Virginia.
ARMY
Although he did not explicitly seek the office of commander and even
claimed that he was not equal to it, there was no serious competition.
American
Congress created the Continental Army on June 14; the next day, on
the nomination of John Adams of Massachusetts, it selected Washington as commander-in-chief.
Washington assumed command of the American forces in Massachusetts in July 1775, during the
ongoing siege of Boston. Realizing his army's desperate shortage of gunpowder, Washington asked for
new sources. British arsenals were raided (including some in the West Indies) and some manufacturing
was attempted; a barely adequate supply (about 2.5 million pounds) was obtained by the end of 1776,
mostly from France. Washington reorganized the army during the long standoff, and forced the British to
withdraw by putting artillery on Dorchester Heights overlooking the city. The British evacuated Boston and
Washington moved his army to New York City.
Although negative toward the patriots in the Continental Congress, British newspapers routinely
praised Washington's personal character and qualities as a military commander. Moreover, both sides of
The American Revolutionary War
the aisle in Parliament found the American general's courage, endurance, and attentiveness to the
welfare of his troops worthy of approbation and examples of the virtues they and most other Britons found
wanting in their own commanders. Washington's refusal to become involved in politics buttressed his
reputation as a man fully committed to the military mission at hand and above the factional fray.
In August 1776, British General William Howe launched a massive naval and land campaign designed to
seize New York and offer a negotiated settlement. The Continental Army under Washington engaged the
enemy for the first time as an army of the newly-declared independent United States at the Battle of Long
Island, the largest battle of the entire war. This and several other British victories (despite some American
victories at the Battle of Harlem Heights and elsewhere) sent Washington scrambling out of New York
and across New Jersey, leaving the future of the Continental Army in doubt. On the night of December
25, 1776, Washington staged a counterattack, leading the American forces across the Delaware River to
capture nearly 1,000 Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey.
Washington was defeated at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. On September 26,
Howe outmaneuvered Washington and marched into Philadelphia unopposed. Washington's army
unsuccessfully attacked the British garrison at Germantown in early October. Meanwhile Burgoyne, out of
reach from help from Howe, was trapped and forced to surrender his entire army at Saratoga, New York.
As a result of this battle, France entered the war as an open ally of the Americans, turning the Revolution
into a major world-wide war. Washington's loss of Philadelphia prompted some members of Congress to
discuss removing Washington from command. This episode failed after Washington's supporters rallied
behind him.
Washington's army encamped at Valley Forge in December 1777, where it stayed for the next six
months. Over the winter, 2,500 men (out of 10,000) died from disease and exposure. The next spring,
however, the army emerged from Valley Forge in good order, thanks in part to a full-scale training
program supervised by Baron von Steuben, a veteran of the Prussian general staff. The British evacuated
Philadelphia in 1778 and returned to New York City. Meanwhile, Washington remained with his army
outside New York. He delivered the final blow in 1781, after a French naval victory allowed American and
French forces to trap a British army in Virginia. The surrender at Yorktown on October 17, 1781 marked
the end of fighting. Though known for his successes in the war and of his life that followed, Washington
only won three of the nine battles that he fought.
In March 1783, Washington used his influence to disperse a group of Army officers who had
threatened to confront Congress regarding their back pay. The Treaty of Paris (signed that September)
recognized the independence of the United States. Washington disbanded his army and, on November 2,
gave an eloquent farewell address to his soldiers. On November 25, the British evacuated New York City,
and Washington and the governor took possession. At Fraunces Tavern on December 4, Washington
formally bade his officers farewell and on December 23, 1783, he resigned his commission as
commander-in-chief, emulating the Roman general Cincinnatus, an exemplar of the republican ideal of
citizen leadership who rejected power.
The American Revolutionary War
Brigadier General Marquis de
la Fayette
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, the Marquies de la Fayette,
was born at the chateau of Chavaniac in Auvergne, France. His father was killed
at Minden in 1759, and his mother and his grandfather died in 1770. At the age
of 13, he was left an orphan with a princely fortune. He married at 16 to Marie
Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, daughter of the duc d'Ayen and granddaughter
of the duc de Noailles, then one of the most influential families in the kingdom.
Lafayette chose to follow the career of his father, and entered the Guards.
La Fayette was 19 and a captain of dragoons when the English colonies in
NAME
America proclaimed their independence. "At the first news of this quarrel", he
afterwards wrote in his memoirs, "my heart was enrolled in it." The count de
Broglie, whom he consulted, discouraged his zeal for the cause of liberty.
de La Fayette,
Marquis
Finding his purpose unchangeable, however, he presented the young enthusiast
BORN
to Johann Kalb, who was also seeking service in America, and through Silas
Deane, American agent in Paris, an arrangement was concluded, on December
7, 1776, by which Lafayette was to enter the American service as major-general.
September 6, 1757
Auvergne, France
At this moment, the news arrived of grave disasters to the American arms. His
friends again advised him to abandon his purpose. Even the American envoys,
DIED
Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who had superseded Deane, withheld further
encouragement and the king himself forbade his leaving. At the instance of the
British ambassador at Versailles orders were issued to seize the ship he was
May 20, 1834
Paris, France
fitting out at Bordeaux and La Fayette himself was arrested. But the ship was
ARMY
sent from Bordeaux to a neighboring port in Spain, La Fayette escaped from
custody in disguise, and before a second lettre de cachet could reach him he
American
was afloat with eleven chosen companions. Though 2 British cruisers had been
sent in pursuit of him, he landed safely near Georgetown, South Carolina, after a tedious voyage of nearly
two months, and hastened to Philadelphia, then the seat of government of the colonies.
The next day he met Gen. George Washington, who became his lifelong friend. Congress intended his
appointment as purely honorary, and the question of giving him a command was left entirely to
Washington's discretion.
La Fayette's first action was at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, where he
showed courage and activity and received a wound. Shortly afterwards he secured what he most desired,
the command of a division—the immediate result of a communication from Washington to Congress of
November 1, in which he said:
"The Marquis de La Fayette is extremely solicitous of having a command equal to his rank. I do not know
in what light Congress will view the matter, but it appears to me, from a consideration of his illustrious
and, important connexions, the attachment which he has manifested for our cause, and the
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consequences which his return in disgust might produce, that it will be advisable to gratify his wishes, and
the more so as several gentlemen from France who came over under some assurances have gone back
disappointed in their expectations. His conduct with respect to them stands in a favourable point of view—
having interested himself to remove their uneasiness and urged the impropriety of their making any
unfavourable representations upon their arrival at home. Besides, he is sensible, discreet in his manners,
has made great proficiency in our language, and from the disposition he discovered at the battle of
Brandywine possesses a large share of bravery and military ardour."
Though the commander of a division, Lafayette never had many troops in his charge. Whatever
military talents he possessed were not the kind which appeared as conspicuous advantage on the theatre
to which his wealth and family influence rather than his soldierly gifts had called him. In the first months of
1778, he commanded troops detailed for the projected expedition against Canada. His retreat from
Barren Hill on May 28, 1778, was commended as masterly, and he fought at the Battle of Monmouth on
June 28 and received from Congress a formal recognition of his services in the Rhode Island expedition
on August 1778.
The treaties of commerce and defensive alliance, signed by the insurgents and France on
February 6, 1778, were promptly followed by a declaration of war by Great Britain against the latter, and
La Fayette asked leave to revisit France and to consult his king as to the further direction of his services.
This leave was readily granted; it was not difficult for Washington to replace the major-general, but it was
impossible to find another equally competent, influential and devoted champion of the American cause
near the court of Louis XVI. In fact, he went on a mission rather than a visit. He embarked on January 11,
1779, was received with enthusiasm, and was made a colonel in the French cavalry. On March 4, 1779,
Franklin wrote to the president of Congress:
"The marquis de La Fayette is infinitely esteemed and beloved here, and I am persuaded will do
everything in his power to merit a continuance of the same affection from America."
He won the confidence of Vergennes.
La Fayette was absent from America about six months, and his return was the occasion of a
complimentary resolution of Congress. From April- October 1781, he was charged with the defence of
Virginia, in which Washington gave him the credit of doing all that was possible with the forces at his
disposal; and he showed his zeal by borrowing money on his own account to provide his soldiers with
necessaries. The Battle of Yorktown, in which he bore an honourable if not a distinguished part, was the
last of the war, and terminated his military career in the United States. He immediately obtained leave to
return to France, where it was supposed he might be useful in negotiations for a general peace. He was
also occupied in the preparations for a combined French and Spanish expedition against some of the
British West India Islands, of which he had been appointed chief of staff, and a formidable fleet
assembled at Cádiz, but the armistice signed on January 20, 1783 between the belligerents put a stop to
the expedition. He had been promoted (1781) to the rank of maréchal de camp (brigadier general) in the
French army, and he received every token of regard from his sovereign and his countrymen. He visited
the United States again in 1784, and remained some five months as a guest of the nation.
The American Revolutionary War
General Charles Cornwallis
Cornwallis was the oldest son of Charles Cornwallis, 3rd Baron Cornwallis (later
1st Earl Cornwallis) (March 29, 1700 – June 23, 1762, in the Hotwells, near
Bristol) and was born at Grosvenor Square in London, England, even though his
family's estates were in Kent.
Throughout the Seven Years' War, Lord Cornwallis served four terms in
different posts in Germany, interspersed with trips home. In 1758, he served as
a staff officer to Lord Granby. A year later, he participated at the Battle of
Minden. After the battle, he purchased a captaincy in the 85th Regiment of Foot.
In 1761, he served with the 11th Foot and was promoted to Brevet LieutenantColonel. He led his regiment in the Battle of Villinghausen on July 15-July 16,
1761, and was noted for his gallantry. He became colonel of the 33rd Regiment
of Foot in 1766.
Cornwallis's participation in the American revolution began with his
service as second in command to Henry Clinton. Clinton's forces arrived in North
America in May 1776 at Cape Fear, North Carolina. These forces then shifted
south and participated in the first siege of Charleston in June of 1776. After the
NAME
Cornwallis, Charles
BORN
December 31, 1738
London, England
failure of this siege, Clinton and Cornwallis transported his troops north to serve
under William Howe in the campaign for New York City. During this campaign,
Cornwallis, who continued to serve under Clinton, fought with distinction in the
Battle of Long Island, participated in the Battle of White Plains, and played a
supporting role in capture of Fort Washington. At the end of the campaign,
DIED
October 5, 1805
Ghazipur, Benares,
India
Cornwallis was then given an independent command in which he captured Fort
Lee and pursued Washington's forces as far as New Brunswick.
ARMY
After the New York City campaign and the subsequent occupation of
New Jersey by the British army, Cornwallis prepared to leave for England as the
British
army moved into winter quarters. However, as Cornwallis was preparing to
embark in December 1776, Washington launched his surprise attack on Trenton. In response,
Cornwallis's leave was cancelled and he was ordered to take command of the forces stationed in the
Trenton area. Since Clinton was in England at this time, Cornwallis served directly under Howe. In
response to Washington's initiative, Cornwallis gathered together garrisons scattered across New Jersey
and moved them to Trenton. On January 2, 1777, he confronted Washington's army, which was
positioned near Assunpink Creek. In the resulting Second Battle of Trenton, Cornwallis unsuccessfully
attacked Washington's position late in the afternoon. Cornwallis prepared his troops to continue the
assault of Washington's position the next day. During the night, however, Washington's forces escaped to
attack the British outpost at Princeton. Though part of the credit for the success of the Continental army's
disengagement from Cornwallis is due to Washington's use of deception, including maintaining blazing
campfires and keeping up sounds of camp activity, Cornwallis also contributed by not sending out patrols
to monitor the Continental Armies activities.
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After the battle of Princeton, Washington's forces moved north toward Morristown and the British Forces
took up winter quarters in garrisons centered on New Brunswick and Perth Amboy. During the winter,
Cornwallis participated in raids during the forage war in an attempt to deny the Continental forces access
to supplies. In early Spring, Cornwallis led a successful attack on Benjamin Lincoln's garrison at Bound
Brook on April 12, 1777. However, these engagements had no long-term impact as Howe had decided to
withdraw his forces back towards New York City.
While serving directly under Howe, Cornwallis also participated as a field commander in the
Philadelphia campaign of 1777. At the Battle of Brandywine Creek on September 11, 1777, Cornwallis
was responsible for the flanking movement ultimately forced the American forces from their position.
Cornwallis also played an important role in the Battle of Germantown on October 4 and the capture of
Fort Mercer in New Jersey on November 20. With the army in winter quarters in Philadelphia, Cornwallis
took his long-delayed leave to England.
Cornwallis returned to Philadelphia to serve as second-in-command to Henry Clinton, who had
replaced William Howe. Cornwallis commanded the rearguard during the overland withdrawal from
Philadelphia to New York City and played an important role in the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778.
In November, 1778 Cornwallis once more returned to England to be with his ailing wife, Jemima, who
died in February 1779.
Cornwallis returned to America in July, 1779, where he was to play a central role as British
commander in the Southern Campaign. At the end of 1779, Clinton and Cornwallis transported the bulk of
their forces south and initiated the second siege of Charleston during the spring of 1780, which resulted in
the surrender of the Continental forces under Benjamin Lincoln. After the siege of Charleston and the
destruction of Abraham Buford's Virginia regiments at Waxhaw, Clinton returned to New York. leaving
Cornwallis in command in the South. The events leading up to Cornwallis's defeat at Yorktown are told in
the article on the southern theater of the American Revolutionary War.
His tactics in America, especially during his Southern Command (1780-81), were excessively criticised by
his political enemies in London. However Cornwallis retained the confidence of King George III and the
British Government - enabling him to continue his career.
After the war Cornwallis returned to Britain, and in 1789 he was appointed governor-general and
commander in chief in India. He instituted land reforms and reorganized the British army and
administration.