Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 3, 1781

This morning the general beat at 6 o'clock. The troops in half an hour after marched to James River, where the French boats lay in order to cross our troops. We landed below James's Island, and lay by the greatest part of the day, near the church, within half a mile of where we had the action of the 6th of July last. In the evening we marched for the Green Springs, and there lay that night without tent or any other shelter. A very heavy rain the whole time of our march.

Took a walk to take a view of the French troops, who make a very fine, soldierly appearance, they being all very tall men; their uniform is white coats turned up with blue, their underclothes are white.

We left all our tents and baggage on the other side of the river. This day three seventy-fours and one frigate went up York river, to block up the British vessels.

The Count de Grasse sent a flag to Lord Cornwallis, desiring him on his peril not to destroy any of his vessels, stores, &c.—2 miles.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 12

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 7, 1781

This morning I mounted the rear picquet of our line. As we were on the grand parade, a party of the enemy's Dragoons drove a party of our Horse within our advance picquet, where they were very warmly received by them with a platoon of musketry; they immediately retired. All our guards marched to Mr. Burrell's mills, and there took post, where we remained for some time expecting them to return again. We were then ordered to march to our respective post.

In the evening I marched my picquet within one mile and a half York river.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 13

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, July 1, 1781

Marched at day break 8 miles to York River, for the troops to wash and refresh themselves, where one man and Dr. Downey of the 6th Reg't Penna. were unfortunately drowned, I mounted guard this day; returned that night to our former ground, I leaving the rear-guard of the army.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 6

Journal of Lieutenant Ebenezer Denny, October 19, 1781

Our division man the lines again. All is quiet. Articles of capitulation signed; detachments of French and Americans take possession of British forts. Major Hamilton commanded a battalion which took possession of a fort immediately opposite our right and on the bank of York river. I carried the standard of our regiment on this occasion. On entering the fort, Baron Steuben, who accompanied us, took the standard from me and planted it himself. The British army parade and march out with their colors furled; drums beat as if they did not care how. Grounded their arms and returned to town. Much confusion and riot among the British through the day; many of the soldiers were intoxicated; several attempts in course of the night to break open stores; an American sentinel killed by a British soldier with a bayonet; our patrols kept busy. Glad to be relieved from this disagreeable station. Negroes lie about, sick and dying, in every stage of the small pox. Never was in so filthy a place — some handsome houses, but prodigiously shattered. Vast heaps of shot and shells lying about in every quarter, which came from our works. The shells did not burst, as was expected. Returns of British soldiers, prisoners six thousand, and seamen about one thousand. Lord Cornwallis excused himself from marching out with the troops; they were conducted by General O'Hara. Our loss said to be about three hundred; that of the enemy said not more than five hundred and fifty. Fine supply of stores and merchandise had; articles suitable for clothing were taken for the use of the army. A portion furnished each officer to the amount of sixty dollars.

SOURCE: J. B. Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781 to 1795, pp. 248-9