Proclamation of Lord Cornwallis
Papers of the Continental Congress M247 roll 175 vol. 2 pg 25
National Archives and Records Administration
Transcribed by Billy Markland
By [?] Earl Cornwallis Lieut. General of his Majestys Forces
&c &c &c
Proclamation
Whereas by the blessing of almighty God his Majestys Arms have been crowned with Signal Success by their compleat [sic] victory obtained over
the Rebel forces on the 15th inst. I have thought proper to issue this Proclamation to call upon all loyal subjects to stand forth & take an
active part in restoring good Order & Government. And whereas it has been represented to me that many persons in this Province who have taken a
share in this unatural [sic] Rebellion, but having experienced the oppression & injustice of the Rebel Government & having seen the errors into which
they have been deluded by falsehoods & misrepresentations, are sincerely desireous [sic] of returning to their duty & allegiance, I do hereby notify &
promise to all such persons (Murderers excepted) that if they will Surrender themselves with their Arms & ammunition at Head Quarters or to the officer
commanding in the district contiguous to their respective places of residence on or before the 20th day of April next they will be permitted
to return to their homes upon giving a military Parole & shall be protected in their Persons & Properties from all sort of Violence from the British Troops
& will be restored as soon as possible to all the Priviledges [sic] of legal & Constitutional Government.
Given under my hand at Head Quarters this 18th day of March A.D. 1781 & in the 21st
Year of his Majestys Reign
Cornallis [sic]
By His Lordships Command
Henry Broderick
Aid [sic] de Camp