A Soldier's View of the Victory at Yorktown

Print out and read pages 165–175 of The Battle of Yorktown [History Matters] -- A narrative of some of the adventures, dangers and sufferings of a revolutionary soldier; interspersed with anecdotes of incidents that occurred within his own observation, by Joseph Plumb Martin (originally published anonymously) (Glazier, Masters & Co., Hallowell, Maine, 1830)

Self-Guided Learning Questions

by Kim Burdick, May 2006

Something to think about: Joseph Plumb Martin was born in western Massachusetts and joined the militia in 1776 before his 16th birthday. He served in the Continental Army from 1777 to 1783.

Important to know: The life of a common soldier was a rough one in the war for independence. Soldiers were activated for relatively short periods in state militias or served longer continuous periods in the Continental Army (which was raised by the Continental Congress). About two hundred thousand men served in one capacity or another. Militias supplied the greatest number of soldiers, comprised of farmers, artisans, and some professionals. The Continental Congress recruited the young and those with fewer resources, such as apprentices or laborers. Some enlisted voluntarily while others were drafted; the more affluent hired paid substitutes. All faced war’s hardships of severe food shortages, discomfort, low morale, and danger.

Comments of special interest to students living in Delaware:

  • New Castle County [Delaware] was an important 18th century military transportation corridor.

  • On their way to Yorktown in September 1781, the allied French and American troops entered Delaware marching from Marcus Hook PA to Claymont DE and continued down Philadelphia Pike to Wilmington DE. From the riverfront they marched along Maryland Avenue (Newport Pike) through Newport and Stanton, past the Hale-Byrnes House (following Route 7) and continued to historic Christiana. From Christiana they marched along Old Baltimore Pike past Cooch’s Bridge to Elkton MD.

  • Joseph Plumb Martin passed through Delaware both on his way to south to Yorktown and on his return north after the victory at Yorktown.

Questions Based on the Reading

  • Where was Joseph Plumb Martin on September 28, 1781?

  • What problem continually plagued the soldiers?

  • Describe the fifth of October. Who was the unexpected visitor?

  • Why were the fires on the marshland useful?

  • How did Joseph Plumb Martin react to the signal to begin the attack at Yorktown?

  • What are abatis?

  • What was the watchword?

  • What was the greatest inconvenience? Why?

  • What happened on October 17, 1781?

  • Describe the official surrender of the British on October 19, 1781.

  • What happened to the black people who had joined the British?

  • Where did the American troops go after Yorktown?

  • Bonus Question: Who was Rochambeau and why is he considered America’s Forgotten Founding Father?