Crucial George Washington letter to go on display

June 23, 2026

A historically significant letter signed by George Washington in October 1781, accepting British surrender after the Battle of Yorktown, will be displayed publicly in London for the first time. The document, which initiated negotiations leading to the 1783 Treaty of Paris and British recognition of American independence, has been held in British archives since 1880 after being preserved in the Cornwallis family collection. The letter is featured in an exhibition at The National Archives in Kew that commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and includes materials from both American and British perspectives.

Who is affected

George Washington (historical figure whose letter is being displayed)
British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis (original recipient of the letter)
The 13 American colonies that became the United States
Britain
The Cornwallis family (who preserved the letter)
Visitors to The National Archives in Kew

What action is being taken

The letter is being exhibited as part of "Revolution 250: America's Independence Story, 1763–1783" at The National Archives in Kew, running from Wednesday to 29 November.

Why it matters

This letter represents a pivotal turning point in world history, marking the moment Britain recognized the reality of American independence and initiating the negotiations that led to the formal 1783 Treaty of Paris. According to curator Dr Sean Cunningham, the document had "tremendous consequences for generations to come," as it signaled the end of British control over the 13 colonies and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.

What's next

The exhibition will run until 29 November.

Read full article from source: BBC