In desperation, Cornwallis attempted to evacuate his troops across the York River to Gloucester Point.
At Gloucester Point the troops might be able to break through the allied lines and escape into Virginia and then march to New York.
After other missions, Cornwallis instructed Tarleton to hold Gloucester Point, Virginia.
He also provided 800 men from his ship to Gloucester Point in defence of a peninsula near Yorktown.
On the 18th the regiment sailed for Gloucester Point, Va., reaching that place on the 21st, and was attached to the 10th army corps.
US 17 continues north through Gloucester Point, which is home to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
The artillerymen arrived at Gloucester Point early on May 7, 1861.
In 1667, fortifications were built at what was then called Gloucester Point.
The main campus is located in Gloucester Point, Virginia.
Gloucester Point is situated along the York River in southeastern Virginia.
