 Cornwallis returned to America in July 1779 , where he was to play a central role as the lead commander of the British " Southern strategy " . At the end of 1779 , Clinton and Cornwallis transported a large force south and initiated the second siege of Charleston during the spring of 1780 , which resulted in the surrender of the Continental forces under Benjamin Lincoln . Cornwallis and Clinton at first worked closely together during the siege , but their relationship deteriorated . Cracks had formed between the two as early as October 1776 , when Cornwallis reported to General Howe critical comments that Clinton made about Howe 's conduct at White Plains . Clinton also seemed to believe that one reason for Cornwallis 's trips to England was to scheme for an independent command . Cornwallis as second in command held a dormant commission and would replace Clinton as commander in chief . He was aware that Clinton wanted to resign , but he did not want to be saddled with a difficult command situation should that occur . Cornwallis consequently avoided advising Clinton as much as possible , in order to avoid responsibility for poor outcomes . The deterioration in their relationship set the stage for some of their communication difficulties that resulted in Cornwallis 's eventual surrender at Yorktown . In late April , Clinton detached a force under Cornwallis to ensure that the enemy 's communications and supplies were interrupted around the city . Because of this , Cornwallis missed most of the siege bombardment and the surrender in May ; forces directed by Cornwallis and led by Banastre Tarleton completed the encirclement of Charleston , skirmishing with the Americans at Monck 's Corner and <unk> 's Ferry . After the American surrender Clinton ordered Cornwallis to secure South Carolina 's interior , while Clinton organized control of Charleston . Not long after Tarleton defeated Abraham Buford 's Virginia regiments at <unk> , Clinton returned to New York , leaving Cornwallis in command in the south . 
