George Washington's Surrender Letter Goes on Display in London
A significant letter from George Washington, detailing the British defeat at Yorktown, is on display in London for the first time. The exhibit, titled 'Revolution 250: America's Independence Story 1763-1783,' launched at The National Archives. Written in October 1781 and addressed to Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis, the letter seeks to prevent further conflict. It remained within Cornwallis' family until its donation in 1880 to The National Archives. The showcase, which runs from June 24 to November 29, 2026, also includes original maps, personal accounts, and a rare Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
Key facts
- George Washington signed a letter accepting British surrender at Yorktown in October 1781.
- The letter is displayed for the first time in London at The National Archives.
- The exhibition 'Revolution 250: America's Independence Story 1763-1783' runs June 24 to November 29, 2026.
- The letter was given to Charles Cornwallis and remained in his family until 1880.
- The exhibition includes a rare Dunlap broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence.
- France became an ally of the American patriots in 1778, providing troops, weapons, naval support, and financial aid.
- Cornwallis surrendered nearly 8,000 men, ships, and weapons at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.
- The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized U.S. independence.
Entities
Artists
- George Washington
- Charles Cornwallis
- Sean Cunningham
Institutions
- The National Archives
- Public Record Office
- Smithsonian magazine
- NBC News
Locations
- London
- England
- Yorktown
- Virginia
- Chesapeake Bay
- New York
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- United States of America
- Thirteen Colonies
- France