Jack Darrell Crowder

Voices from Yorktown Jack Darrell Crowder

In 1781, the Colonies, Britain, and France had grown tired of the Revolution. It was clear that one side needed to score a knockout blow and seize the victory. Both Cornwallis and Washington saw that this victory might come in Virginia in 1781. In October of 1781, nearly 30,000 American, French, British, and German troops faced each other in a winner take all battle. This story is a day by day account of the Siege of Yorktown as told by the participants in their journals, diaries, memoirs, pension applications, letters, and in newspapers. The soldiers write of their fears, hopes, and impressions of this great event, as well as the destruction that took place. They describe the fortifications, the artillery, life on the battlefield, and the death of friends. "...the firing was so constant that they could not see the sun and could not tell whether it was clear or cloudy."---- Militiaman John Saunders"The column marched in silence, with guns unloaded, and in good order. I had a chance to whisper to several of my men (whom I doubted, ) and told them that I had full confidence that they would act the part of brave soldiers, let what would come; and if their guns should be shot away, not to retreat, but take the first man's gun that might be killed."--- Captain Stephen Olney leading his men as they attacked the British redoubt number 10.