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American Revolution: Cornwallis' Surrender And The Election Of John Hanson

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American Revolution: Cornwallis' Surrender And The Election Of John Hanson
November 20, 1781, THE CONNECTICUT COURANT AND WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, About Fine. 14" x 9.5", 4 pages. Page 1 has three letters from General Washington to the President of the Congress (Thomas McKean), dated October 1, 12, and 16, 1781, reporting on the progress of the Battle of Yorktown, as well as reports from La Fayette to Washington and from Alexander Hamilton to La Fayette, giving details of their military maneuvers and complimenting the close cooperation between the American and French troops. Page 2 has an extract of a letter from General Washington, dated Head Quarters near York, October 27: "I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency, copies of returns of prisoners, artillery, arms, ordnance and other stores, surrendered by the enemy in their posts of York and Gloucester, on the 19th instant..." There follows two columns listing the "General Return of Officers and Privates surrendered prisoners of war, the 19th of October, 1781, to the allied army under the command of his Excellency General Washington taken from the original muster rolls. Page 4, one column,"AFTER ORDERS," dated October 20: "The General congratulates the army upon the glorious event of yesterday." He proceeds to thank His Most Christian Majesty (Louis XVI) and the French fleet and army, "...their co-operation has secured us the present signal success." Washington thanks many officers by name: the Count de Rochambeau, Generals Baron de Viomenel, Chevalier Chatelleux, Marquis de Simon, Count de Viomenel, and Brigadier-General de Choisey, "Major Generals Lincoln, De la Fayette and Steuben, for their dispositions in the trenches." He also thanks Governor Nelson for his aid, and recommends that all troops not on duty attend divine service on the 21st to give thanks. Page 3 has a very rare announcement, datelined November 5, 1781: "CONGRESS proceeded to the election of a President, and the ballots being taken, the Honorable JOHN HANSON, was elected. Extract from the Minutes, Charles Thomson, Sec'ry." Toning and some scattered staining; some small tape repairs, and fold wear affecting a couple of lines. A wonderful, early printing of the details of the Battle of Yorktown, and the touching joy and thankfulness of General Washington and his allies.