It’s common knowledge that Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively ended the Revolutionary War — but what happened to the British general after that humiliating defeat?
According to the Library of Virginia, the Siege of Yorktown — which turned out to be the final major military engagement of the Revolutionary War — took place in the autumn of 1781.
‘He refused, however, to surrender in person and delegated the humiliating duty to his second in command.’
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The British Army and its commanding general, Charles Cornwallis, were headquartered in the coastal Virginia town.
However, a French fleet under the command of Admiral François-Joseph-Paul de Grasse drove a British fleet from the Capes of Virginia, which made it impossible for Cornwallis to receive supplies and reinforcements, the Library of Virginia said.
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