In the early autumn of 1781 the field of war had become the scene of a thrilling drama in the British camp. Lord Cornwallis had taken his army into Yorktown, and under the protection of the British fleet on the York River had fortified his position by semicircular fortifications which extended from river to river.
He must have felt his position impregnable at first, with the advantage which the fleet would bring to him in the wide river, until there came news to him that unsettled his faith in his position. But he soon began to lose confidence. He seemed to foreshadow his doom.
Yorktown was situated on a projecting bank of the York River. The river was a mile wide, and deep. Lord Cornwallis expected to have the place fortified by middle fall, and that Sir Henry Clinton would join him there.
“I have no enemy now to contend against but Lafayette,” he thought until the coming of the French fleet was announced to him.
Washington determined to cut off Lord Cornwallis from any retreat from Yorktown by land or by sea. His plan was to pen up the British commander on the peninsula, and there to end the war. He largely entrusted the siege by land to young Lafayette. He probably felt a pride in giving the young general the opportunity to end the war. He liked to honor one who had so trusted his heart, and whose service had so honored him.
Washington ordered the French army to the Virginia peninsula, and with them went the grand regiment of Gatinais, or Gatinois, with which many years before Rochambeau had won his fame. The heroes of old Auvergne were to be given the opportunity to fight for liberty here, as they had done in the days of old.
These heroes had had their regimental name officially taken away from them on being brought to America—Auvergne sans tache. They desired to serve liberty under this glorious name of noble memories again. They appealed to Rochambeau for that distinction.
Their hearts beat high, for they were going to reenforce Lafayette, who was born in Auvergne, and who had desired their presence and inspiration.
So on sea and land a powerful force was gathering to shut up Lord Cornwallis in Yorktown and to shatter the British army on the banks of the York.