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PORTSMOUTH (RP) — Former Gov. Mills Godwin was among the dignitaries on hand Sunday as ceremonies were held — a week later to unveil a marker commemorating the British departure from occupied col onial Portsmouth during the Revolutionary War. The exercises had been scheduled August 23 but were delayed by incle ment weather. During the Revolution, Cornwallis left Hampton Roads for Yorktown in the belief he could better bring a speedy end to the war from there. That's where he surrendered. A plaque was unveiled at the foot of the Portsmouth Seawall at the end of High Street where the British are believed to have boarded their boats for the strategic withdrawal. The plaque reads: ‘“‘Near this spot on August 20th, 1781, General Corn wallis and his troops embarked for Yorktown. This fateful action enabled the combined forces of General George Washington and French Admiral de Grasse to bottle up the British and force the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19th, 1781.” The program was highlighted by the symbolic departure of about 20 Scottish-styled bagpippers — members of the Khedive Temple Shrine — and one authentically dressed and armed Red Coat. This was the first part of a two-stage celebration. Next month, Yorktown hosts bicentennial observances marking Cornwallis’ surrender. President Reagan is expected to attend.
Newspaper Details
Daily News-Record
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
Mon, Aug 31, 1981
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 13 Jul 2026
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