[739:A] Such is the account given by Commodore Barron from his early recollections. It appears, however, that he and his companions were misled by appearances, and that the Patriot was engaged with the British sloop for two hours, and twice attempted to board her, but ineffectually. At length the sloop cut away the Patriot's main halliards, and her main-sail fell to the deck; when, receiving a broadside, and being no longer manageable, the Patriot struck her colors.—[Va. Navy of Revolution, S. Lit. Messr., 1857, p. 147.]
[739:B] Va. Hist. Register, i. 127.
[741:A] I am indebted to Dr. Levin S. Joynes for some MSS. relative to the Battle of the Barges.
[741:B] Levin Joynes, of Accomac, became at the same time major in the 9th, and Thomas Snead, of the same county, major in the 7th Regiment.
CHAPTER CI.
1781.
Washington—Cornwallis occupies Yorktown—Battle of Eutaw Springs—Henry Lee—Washington invests Yorktown—Capitulation.
In the North, Washington retained a self-possessed mind. So the eagle from his mountain watch-tower looks down and surveys with serene eye the tempest and the storm forming beneath his feet. Re-enforced by the French troops under Rochambeau, and a fleet, he was concerting measures to expel Clinton from New York, believing that in this way he could give the enemy the more fatal blow, and afford the South the more effectual relief. But he resolved, in case he should find this design impracticable, to transfer the scene of war to the South. Cornwallis was advised by Sir Henry to select a post on the Chesapeake, convenient for wintering a fleet—either Yorktown or Old Point. Washington requested La Fayette to endeavor to prevent Cornwallis from marching to Charleston, and Wayne was, accordingly, despatched to the south side of the James to watch his movements.[742:A] Cornwallis having selected Yorktown, occupied it and Gloucester Point, on the opposite side of the York, and proceeded to fortify them.