The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Extract of a letter from Providence, Oct. 19.

Last evening arrived here Capt. Thomas, in a vessel from Virginia, who informs us, That he left the French fleet in Chesapeake, Saturday Afternoon 13th instant, who were close moor'd in with the shore: That our army had completely circumscribed Cornwallis within very narrow limits, having taken from him the principal heights, and opened upon his works upwards of 100 cannon and mortars. The batteries began playing five days before he came away: which kept the whole Peninsula trembling with unceasing peals of thunder from the assailants. The French troops requested of General Washington to storm the works with fixed bayonets, but the General preferred continuing the siege for a few days longer, to exposing the lives of a great number of his brave army to destruction. His Excellency has had such vast numbers crowding to his camp, as to be under a necessity of dismissing great numbers of them as altogether useless. Cornwallis has attempted to destroy the shipping in York River, by sending down fireships, rafts, &c. but they were rendered very harmless by the French boats towing them ashore. It is farther said that his Lordship's situation in regard to provisions is very consonant to our wishes. The utmost harmony prevails in the combined army and every thing renders the prospect of success extremely flattering.

PORTSMOUTH, October 27.

7 o'clock last evening:

The following extract of a letter, (dated Boston, 8 o'clock, the 26th inst.) is this moment received by express from Newbury-Port, in three hours & an half; viz.:--

An express is this moment arrived from Newport, who brings the important intelligence of the unconditional surrender of the proud Cornwallis, with his whole army; to the illustrious WASHINGTON, on the 19th instant.

The Gentlemen of this town think themselves much obliged to Jonathan Jackson and Nathaniel Tracy, Esq'rs. for their politeness in dispatching an express with this glorious intelligence.

A person was immediately dispatched to Falmouth with the news.

The above great and glorious intelligence was received in town the last evening, by express to Col. Langdon, and immediately announced to the public by the discharge of cannon, ringing of bells, illuminations, and every other token of joy that grateful hearts could demonstrate. This morning was likewise ushered in by the discharge of cannon from the fortresses and the shipping in the harbour, the display of colours and the ringing of bells, &c. which continues at this publication.

We hope in our next to give the public the particulars, authenticated by authority.
Just as the Paper was going to the Press; the following (published in a hand-bill at Salem) was handed to us by a Gentleman directly from thence.

Boston, October 26.

This morning arrived here a Gentleman from Providence, who has favored us with the following GLORIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Providence, Oct. 25, 1781, 3 o'clock.

This Moment an Express arrived at his Honor the Deputy Governor's, from Col. Christopher Olney, Commandant on Rhode Island, announcing the important Intelligence of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his Army, an Account of which was printed this Morning at Newport, and is as follows, viz.

Newport, October 25, 1781.

Yesterday Afternoon arrived in this Harbour Captain Lovett, of the Schooner Adventure, from York-River, in Chesapeake-Bay, which he left the 19th Instant, and brought us the Glorious NEWS of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his Army Prisoners Of War to the Allied Army, under the Command of our Illustrious GENERAL, and the French Fleet, under the Command of his Excellency the Count de GRASSE:

A Cessation of Arms took place on Thursday the 18th Instant, in Consequence of Proposals from Lord Cornwallis for a Capitulation. His Lordship proposed a Cessation of 24 Hours, but two only were granted by his Excellency General WASHINGTON.

The Articles were completed the same Day, and the next Day the Allied Army took Possession of York town.

By this Glorious Conquest, Nine thousand of the Enemy, including Seamen, fell into our Hands, with an immense Quantity Of warlike Stores, a forty gun Ship, a Frigate, an armed Vessel; and about one hundred Sail of transports.