Miracle # 5 The Tide of the Battle Turns in the South

by Warren Neary

America passed the test and was given the miracle gift of victory.  Center and front is General O’Hara representing the nation of Great Britain and symbolically giving his sword in surrender.  This, the surrender of the British at Yorktown, was the final great battle of the war.  The Americans came to battle significantly outmatched and underdog, but miracle upon miracle gave advantage and victory.  Artist Warren Neary, who is a military historian and painter, powerfully captures the essence.  Left background is the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion, who never had more than 60 men under his command but with, faith, skilled leadership, determination and using guerrilla tactics, bottled up 5000 British regulars.  On the right is General Lafayette, who pursued and pushed the British to their ill fate.  Washington had been able to slip away un-noticed in the north to lead the final assault.  The relentless cannonade made holing up impractical and the arrival of the French fleet sealed the escape.