Happy for America, happy for Europe, perhaps for the world when, on the delivery of Cornwallis's sword to the illustrious, the immortal Washington, or rather by his order, to the brave Lincoln, the sun of Liberty and Independence burst through a sable cloud, and his benign influence was, almost instantaneously, felt in our remotest corners!

In this quote, Deborah Sampson, an important figure in American history and the first woman to serve as a soldier in the Continental Army, celebrates the moment when Cornwallis, the British general, surrendered to General Washington at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The surrender marked the definitive end of the American Revolutionary War and the beginning of the United States' emergence as an independent nation. Sampson describes this historic event as a pivotal moment when the sun of Liberty and Independence shone through the darkness of war, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over tyranny.

The phrase “the sun of Liberty and Independence burst through a sable cloud” vividly captures the transition from the dark, uncertain days of war to the hopeful dawn of a new nation. The cloud represents the hardships, struggles, and sacrifices made during the revolution, while the sun symbolizes the newfound freedom and independence achieved by the American colonies. This moment, in Sampson's view, was not only a victory for America but also for Europe and the wider world, as it inspired a wave of democratic ideals that would ripple beyond the Atlantic.

Sampson goes on to highlight the central role of Washington in this victory. Though Washington himself received Cornwallis’s sword, Sampson acknowledges the bravery of General Lincoln, who was acting under Washington’s command. By doing so, she underscores the collaborative effort and sacrifice of all those who fought for American freedom. The surrender of Cornwallis marked the final victory of the Revolutionary War, making it a moment of universal importance, not only for America but also for the broader struggle for liberty across the world.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Sampson’s personal involvement in the Revolution and her deep commitment to the cause of independence. As a woman who fought alongside men in the army, Sampson's perspective on the events of the war was both personal and profound. In this quote, she encapsulates the joy and relief that came with the American victory, celebrating the dawn of liberty and the profound global impact of the American Revolution on the quest for freedom and equality.