Green Spring | Jul 6, 1781

In the spring of 1781, the American Revolutionary War heated up in Virginia. Lord Cornwallis shifted his army towards Virginia, and loyalist forces commanded by the turncoat Benedict Arnold campaigned through the region. With Washington still fixated on retaking New York City, he dispatched two trusted subordinates to Virginia, Generals Anthony Wayne and the Marquis de Lafayette. The two Patriot officers played a cat and mouse game with Cornwallis. Withdrawing down the Virginia Peninsula, the British continued skirmishing with their pursuers, and finally reached the Jamestown area on July 4th. Having been ordered by General Sir Henry Clinton to send troops to New York City, Cornwallis’ plan was to cross the James River and then proceed to Portsmouth. However, informed that Lafayette was closing in upon the British, Cornwallis prepared an ambush.

The British positioned their regular regiments in the woods and valleys, concealed from any approaching enemy force. The British baggage train was sent to the south side of the James River, along with the loyalist Queens Rangers and North Carolina Provincials. The Americans believed that the British force was divided, and that they could catch their prey in the midst of crossing the wide river. On the morning of July 6th, 1781, upon reaching the area of Green Springs, the Americans began skirmishing with pickets of Banastre Tarleton’s command. Under the misconception that the British force was vulnerable, Wayne and Lafayette snapped to action. Wayne formed his battle line as Lafayette explored the possibilities of crushing this British force on the north side of the river. As he proceeded forward, he noted large groups of men in red coats formed in lines. Cornwallis had led the Americans right into his trap.

Lafayette galloped back to the advance guard under Wayne, but it was too late. Wayne was advancing with several regiments of Pennsylvania Continentals, light infantry, and Virginia riflemen. Veteran redcoats smashed into Wayne’s force. A bayonet charge drove in the American right flank. Lafayette gave the order for the entire American force to withdraw. In an effort to save the army, Wayne, made a desperate a bayonet charge straight into the British center. Cornwallis led the British in a countercharge which drove Wayne’s men off of the field. With the Americans in full retreat, Cornwallis chose not to pursue, and instead took the opportunity to safely cross his men to the south side of the James. The Americans fell back to Richmond. Cornwallis marched to Yorktown, effectively cornering his own army. Seizing the opportunity, Lafayette wrote to Washington, asking his to advance into Virginia.