September 28th: Today in 1781 the American and French armies arrive to begin the Siege of Yorktown which results in the capture of the last major British field army of the American Revolution. I have often commented on George Washington’s failings as a battlefield commander, but I have never denied his strategic abilities, which were excellent and Yorktown was the proof of it. His patience in working his opponents and his awareness of their weakness meant that he knew his long terms plans would bring victory as long as he avoided having his armies dissolve completely. Of course, having the French along didn’t hurt either….

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