Sir,

I have the honor to render you an account of the corps under my command in your attack of last night, upon the redoubt on the left of the enemy’s lines.

Agreeable to your orders we advanced in two columns with unloaded arms- the right composed of Lt Col Gimat’s battalion and my own commanded by Major Fish- the left of a detachment commanded by Lt. Col. Laurens destined to take the enemy in reverse, and intercept their retreat. The column on the right- was preceded by a van guard of twenty men led by Lt Mansfield- and a detachment of sappers and miners, commanded by Capt. Gilliand for the purpose of removing obstructions.

The redoubt was commanded by Major Campbell, with a detachment of British and German troops, and was completely in a state of defence.

The rapidity and immediate success of the assault are the best comment on the behaviour of the troops. Lt. Col Laurens distinguished himself- by an exact and vigorous execution of his part of the plan, by entering the enemy’s work with his corps among the foremost, and making prisoner the commanding officer of the redoubt. * They were well seconded by Major Fish with the batalion under his command, who, when the front of the column reached the abatis, unlocking his corps to the left, as he had been directed, advanced with such celerity, as to arrive in time to participate in the assault.

Lt. Mansfield deserves particular commendation for the coolness, firmness and punctuability with which he conducted the van guard. Capt. Olney, who commanded the first platoon of Gimat’s batalion is entitled to peculiar applause. He led his platoon into the work with exemplary intrepidity, and received two bayonet wounds. Capt. Gilliand with the detachment of sappers and miners acquitted themselves in a manner that did them great honor.

I do but justice to the several corps when I have the pleasure to assure you, there was not an officer nor soldiers whose behaviour, if it could be particularized, would not have a claim to the warmest approbation. As it would have been attended with delay and loss to wait for the removal of the abatis and palisades the ardor of the troops was indulged in passing over them.

There was a happy coincidence of movements. The redoubt was in the same moment enveloped and carried in every part- the enemy are entitled to the acknowledgement of an honorable defence.

Permit me to have the satisfaction of expressing our obligations to Col. Armand, Capt. Segogne, the Chevalier De Fontevieux and Capt. Bedkin, officers of his corps, who acting upon this occasion as volunteers, proceeded at the head of the right column, and entering the redoubt- among the first, by their gallant example contributed to the success of the enterprize.

Our killed and wounded you will perceive by the enclosed return. I sensibly felt at a critical period the loss of the assistance of Lt. Col. Gimat, who recieved a musket ball in his foot, which obliged him to retire from the field. Capt Bets of Lauren’s corps, Capt. Hunt and Lt. Mansfield of Gimat’s were wounded with the bayonet in gallantly entering the work. Capt. Lt Kirkpatrick of the corps of the sappers and miners recieved a wound in the ditch.

Inclosed is a return of the prisoners. The killed and wounded of the enemy did not exceed eight. Incapable of imitating examples of barbarity, and forgetting recent provocations, the soldiery spared every man, who ceased to fight.

I have the honor to be with the warmest esteem and attachment-

Sir

Yr. Most Obed[ient] and humble servant

A Hamilton

Lt. Col. Co

Camp before York Town

Oct. 15, 1781

Major General

The Marquis De LaFayette

Return of the killed and wounded in the advanced corps commanded by Lt. Col Hamilton in an attack on the enemy’s left redoubt on the evening of the 16th Oct. 1781.