<P> On the morning of October 16, more allied guns were in line and the fire intensified . 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 . One wave of boats made it across but a squall hit when they returned to take more soldiers across, making the evacuation impossible . </P> <P> The fire on Yorktown from the allies was heavier than ever as new artillery pieces joined the line . Cornwallis talked with his officers that day and they agreed that their situation was hopeless . </P> <P> On the morning of October 17, a drummer appeared followed by an officer waving a white handkerchief . The bombardment ceased, and the officer was blindfolded and led behind the French and American lines . Negotiations began at the Moore House on October 18 between Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dundas and Major Alexander Ross (who represented the British) and Lieutenant Colonel Laurens (who represented the Americans) and the Marquis de Noailles (who represented the French). To make sure that nothing fell apart between the French and Americans at the last minute, Washington ordered that the French be given an equal share in every step of the surrender process . </P> <P> The articles of capitulation were signed on October 19, 1781 . Signatories included Washington, Rochambeau, the Comte de Barras (on behalf of the French Navy), Cornwallis, and Captain Thomas Symonds (the senior Royal Navy officer present). Cornwallis' British men were declared prisoners of war, promised good treatment in American camps, and officers were permitted to return home after taking their parole . At 2: 00 pm the allied army entered the British positions, with the French on the left and the Americans on the right . </P>

How many people died in the battle of yorktown