While the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 is widely recognized as the defining moment heralding the end of the American Revolutionary War, the aftermath of this pivotal battle had far-reaching consequences. Particularly, the issue of casualties – both military and civilian – and the disposition of slaves at Yorktown deserve detailed exploration. This article delves into these often-overlooked facets of the siege’s legacy.
The British, under the command of General Cornwallis, bore the brunt of the siege. By the time the smoke cleared, British and German casualties combined were estimated to be over 550 killed, with approximately 840 wounded. The bulk of Cornwallis’s army, however, did not perish in battle but instead became prisoners of war.
In the wake of the siege, notable meetings occurred between the officers of the opposing forces. Many of these encounters were characterized by civility and mutual respect, despite the underlying tensions. The British officers, recognizing the inevitability of their situation, were largely gracious in defeat. There was a marked distinction, though, in the British officers’ interactions with the French – who were viewed as equal adversaries – and with the American officers, whom they sometimes still perceived as rebel subjects.
One of the lesser-known but profoundly tragic aspects of the Siege of Yorktown was the presence of around 4,500 slaves. These individuals had flocked to the British side, lured by Cornwallis’s promise of freedom in exchange for supporting the British cause. However, the aftermath of the siege saw these promises evaporate.
The siege itself was brutal for these slaves. Many were forced into labor under perilous conditions, constructing defenses or performing other tasks that exposed them to the dangers of war. It’s estimated that hundreds perished due to disease, artillery fire, or other war-related hazards.
General George Washington’s stance on the matter was a reflection of the complexities of the time. While he expressed sympathy for the slaves who were victims of the conflict, he also recognized the property rights of slaveholders. Post-siege, many slaves were considered contraband and thus were returned to their original owners, including some who belonged to American officers and soldiers.
Contemplating the matter and immorality of slavery, Washington would later write, that there might one day be a “punishment… for our want of public and indeed private virtue.” While he and the country had slavery, like a “wolf by the ear, ” recognizing its evil and incompatibility with the values for which they were fighting, there was no ability to find that solution. The seed for the Civil War, was watered at Yorktown.
The plight of the slaves at Yorktown stands as a poignant reminder of the contradictions inherent in the American Revolution. While the war was waged on principles of liberty and self-determination, these ideals were not extended to the enslaved population.
In the decades that followed, the narrative of slaves at Yorktown became a symbol of the broken promises and unfulfilled potentials of the Revolutionary era. Their story laid the groundwork for future abolitionist movements and underscored the glaring inconsistencies in a nation founded on the principle that “all men are created equal.”
The Siege of Yorktown was not just a pivotal military confrontation; it was a microcosm of the broader social and moral challenges of the era. The casualties, both military and civilian, and the fate of thousands of slaves seeking freedom, offer profound insights into the complexities of revolution and the ongoing struggle for true equality.
Dave Does History 
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