From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 188<br />
immediately followed."<br />
"What part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn can be most effectively cannonaded?" Washing<strong>to</strong>n inquired of Governor Nelson, who<br />
was present.<br />
Pointing <strong>to</strong> a large, fine house on an eminence, <strong>the</strong> governor replied:<br />
"That is probably <strong>the</strong> headquarters of <strong>the</strong> enemy; fire at that."<br />
It was Governor Nelson's own residence.<br />
Four days <strong>the</strong> cannonading continued with great effect. At <strong>the</strong> expiration of that time, Washing<strong>to</strong>n ordered <strong>the</strong><br />
capture of two redoubts, lying between him and <strong>the</strong> British works. These redoubts were so near as <strong>to</strong> prove a<br />
great annoyance <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> American troops. To <strong>the</strong> Americans was assigned <strong>the</strong> capture of one, and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> French<br />
<strong>the</strong> capture of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. At <strong>the</strong> point of <strong>the</strong> bayonet <strong>the</strong>se redoubts were taken; not a gun was fired. As soon as<br />
Lafayette held possession of <strong>the</strong> redoubt taken by <strong>the</strong> Americans, he despatched a message <strong>to</strong> Baron de<br />
Viomenil announcing <strong>the</strong> fact, and inquired where <strong>the</strong> baron was.<br />
"Tell <strong>the</strong> marquis," answered <strong>the</strong> baron, "that I am not in mine, but I will be in five minutes;" and he was.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> whole of <strong>the</strong> bombardment, Washing<strong>to</strong>n, as usual, was seen in <strong>the</strong> most exposed positions,<br />
cheering his men and directing <strong>the</strong> assault. One day, as he s<strong>to</strong>od beside <strong>the</strong> grand battery with Knox and<br />
Lincoln, and shot and shell flew around him, one of his aides, anxious for his general's safety, remarked:<br />
"That is a very exposed situation, general."<br />
"If you think so, you are at liberty <strong>to</strong> step back," Washing<strong>to</strong>n promptly answered.<br />
Just <strong>the</strong>n a musket ball struck <strong>the</strong> cannon in <strong>the</strong> embrasure, rolled along, and fell at <strong>the</strong> general's feet.<br />
"My dear general, we can't spare you yet," exclaimed General Knox, grasping Washing<strong>to</strong>n's arm.<br />
"Only a spent ball," responded Washing<strong>to</strong>n coolly; "no harm was done."<br />
On <strong>the</strong> 17th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber Cornwallis sent a flag, with a letter, <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n, asking for a cessation of<br />
hostilities twenty-four hours, that consultation might be had respecting terms of surrender. It was not,<br />
however, until <strong>the</strong> 19th that <strong>the</strong> terms of capitulation were agreed upon, and <strong>the</strong> renowned Cornwallis with his<br />
army became Washing<strong>to</strong>n's prisoners.<br />
The time and method of <strong>the</strong> formal surrender being agreed upon, Washing<strong>to</strong>n warned his troops against any<br />
exultant demonstrations that might wound <strong>the</strong> feelings of <strong>the</strong> conquered.<br />
"My brave fellows," he said, "let no sensation of satisfaction for <strong>the</strong> triumphs you have gained induce you <strong>to</strong><br />
insult your fallen enemy. Let no shouting, no clamorous huzzaing, increase <strong>the</strong>ir mortification. Posterity will<br />
huzza for us."<br />
By <strong>the</strong> surrender of Cornwallis, Washing<strong>to</strong>n received over seven thousand prisoners, and one hundred and<br />
sixty pieces of cannon. Counting <strong>the</strong> sailors, negroes, and Tories who became prisoners, <strong>the</strong> whole number<br />
amounted <strong>to</strong> nearly twelve thousand.<br />
Thatcher describes <strong>the</strong> scene of <strong>the</strong> formal surrender as follows: