Why didnt the british escape across the york river?

Question

Was it becuase of the condtions such as the swampy land and insects? also because of them eventually getting very hungry and the heat got to them?

Answer 1

because  U.S.admiral __________ ( I can't remember his name) had it all bottled up with his navy ships and the British couldn't pass through.  They couldn't bring in his own ships which caused Cornwalis to be stuck and ultimately lead to surrender.