The feat was not impossible.

Washington would have had a stern chase in following Cornwallis, who might have been able to live off the country.

Clinton could help by attacking Philadelphia, which was almost defenseless.
As it was, a storm prevented the crossing to Gloucester.

The defenses of Yorktown were weakening and in face of this new discouragement the British leader made up his mind that the end was near.

Tarleton and other officers condemned Cornwallis sharply for not persisting in the effort to get away.