September 5, 1781 - Embarkation

On this date the American and French troops began embarkation for traveling down the Chesapeake Bay toward Yorktown from the Head of Elk. The French and American officers were traveling separately.

Given Washington's reserve they were amazed to come upon the General waving his hat and dancing up and down. When they approached they learned he had just received a dispatch announcing the Admiral de Grasse had arrived with the French fleet.