Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-10-15
something about the Seize.

In view of the celebration now ia progress
on the Virginia peninsula, in honor of the
centennial anniversary of the surrender of
Lord CORVALLIS, brief sketch of the events
of hundred years ago that led to the decis-
i've battle which made US q nation Is deemed
timely, and will no doubt be fully appre-
ciated by readers of the RECORD UNION. 1t
must be assumed that all our readers are
familiar with the geography of the location
and with the history of the events of the
revolution which led to the final triumph
that crowned the American and French
armies with victory, and which both nations
are to-day celebrating.
Yorktown is situated upon the south side
OF the York river, near where the peninsula
between the York and James rivers) is mar
rowest, the width being about FIVE miles. It
is about twelve miles from Williamsburg,
which is on the northwest and some fifteen
miles from Hampton Roads and Old Point
Comfort on the southeast. 1t is a small place
and possesses but little business importance.
1t is chiefly notable for two memorable
seiges-that under notice and one in 1862,
during the war of the rebellion.
The surrender of CORVALLIS October 10,
1871, marks the close of the American Revo-
luton, when our forefather5 were declared to
be, in the estimation of the mother country,
rebels. No incident of the weary struggle
aroused such enthusiasm or SO profoundly
moved the civilized world. Yorktown was
the scene of a browning victory. AS Mr..
Johnston, the historical critic puts it, If
Bunker Hill represents resolution made to
resist Parliamentary aggression to the end,
Yorktown represents that resolution kept"
In resisting the rebellion of the colonies
England had two plans-one to crush it at
the head, the other to cut it in two. Neither
succeeded. The contest opened in 1775 !;
heavy blows began to fall in 1865. In pur.
suance of its policy, orders were given in 1871
to Lord CORVALLIS, by Clinton, the British
commander, to occupy strong position in
Virginia. He settled down upon Yorktown
with an army Of over Z, 600. 1t was easily &C.
cessible by sea, and with Sir Henry Clinton at
New York, Earl Charles CORVALLIS at York
town, and ships of war on the coast to furnish
support, the new plan of operations was
deemed complete. The merits of this scheme
have been discussed these hundred years.
CORVALLIS
Himself said he was persuaded that until
Virginia was reduced the King could not
hold the more southern provinces and that
when she yielded they would fall without
much difficulty. He believed too that Gen
eral Phillips would effectively operate in the
Chesapeake. CORVALLIS marched from Will
mington. N. c., April 18th, arrived at
Petersburg, Va, May 10Th, and effected a
junction with Phillips. In Virginia he met
new antagonist, the young Marquis de
Lafayess,, wno came to America from France,
and rendered his services simply because he
believed the colonies to be right in their
struggle for liberty. Through bis exertions
America received the first aid extended by
Francs, who sent Rochanbeau at the head
of small but brilliant army. Lafayette
was placed in 1880 at the head of Washing
toms select body of troops, known as the
Corps of Light Infantry. January, 1881. the
British expedition under Arnold took Rich
mond and fortified Portsmouth. Washing
ton at once set abcusby land and naval expedi-
lions to check the traitors progress, and to
this end he placed Lafayette at the head, and
persuaded Rochambeau to send French ships
from Newport to blockade Arnold by sea,
but the French fleet was defeated and re-
t1rned. Lafayette had left Annapolis to re-
connoiter Arnold's position. but on failure of
the naval scheme returned to rejoin Wash
ington, but en- route was ordered to return
and aid General Greene. He told his men
ne was going on dangerous expedition, and
ii any feared to share it he would relieve
them at once, but
NOT MAN ABANDONED HIM.
He then had three veteran light infantry bat
reached Richmond just in advance of the
jamestown Island. CORVALLIS proposed to
unite with Phillips at Petersburg, and on The
20sh of May the junction was effected
defend the State. He had not force