Lot Essay
Although inconclusive in its outcome this battle was the most crucial Naval encounter of the American War of Independence.
Details
THE BATTLE OF CHESAPEAKE CAPES: 5 SEPTEMBER 1781
The French Fleet (Allies of the Americans) under Vice Admiral the Comte de Grasse carrying three thousand troops to reinforce Washington's Army arrived first at Chesapeake Bay. Then the British under Rear Admiral Thomas Graves arrived with 19 ships of the line (against 24 in the French Fleet) fought an indecisive action and finally withdrew to New York leaving de Grasse in possession of the Chesapeake and the British Army under Lord Cornwallis was doomed. Hemmed in on all sides at Yorktown and short of both men and supplies, Cornwallis was faced with no alternative but to surrender on 19 October 1781. This marked the turning point of the War and American Independence was assured. Front Page cols. 1 - 3, 56cms of col. space in a complete issue of THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT for 20 October 1781
The French Fleet (Allies of the Americans) under Vice Admiral the Comte de Grasse carrying three thousand troops to reinforce Washington's Army arrived first at Chesapeake Bay. Then the British under Rear Admiral Thomas Graves arrived with 19 ships of the line (against 24 in the French Fleet) fought an indecisive action and finally withdrew to New York leaving de Grasse in possession of the Chesapeake and the British Army under Lord Cornwallis was doomed. Hemmed in on all sides at Yorktown and short of both men and supplies, Cornwallis was faced with no alternative but to surrender on 19 October 1781. This marked the turning point of the War and American Independence was assured. Front Page cols. 1 - 3, 56cms of col. space in a complete issue of THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT for 20 October 1781
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