In 1784 the US Congress of the Confederation ratifies the Treaty of Paris, signed September 3, 1783, ending the Revolutionary War, and forwards it to Great Britain. The Thirteen colonies, now states, were still being governed under the Articles of Confederation.
According to the Maryland State Archives…” On January 14, 1784, the Treaty of Paris was ratified by the Congress of the United States, while they met in the Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. The Treaty formally ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States as a free and independent nation.
The Treaty had been signed by delegates from the Unites States and Great Britain, as well as France and Spain, in Paris on September 3, 1783. Congress’ assent was required for the Treaty to take effect, and delegates were called to convene at Annapolis, then serving as the nation’s capital, in November, 1783.
The Treaty stipulated that Congress approve and return the document to England within six months of being signed. However, representatives from nine of the thirteen states were required to be present in order for Congress to proceed, and it was nearly six weeks until enough members assembled to hold a vote. Mindful of the nearly two months required to cross the Atlantic, Congress grew concerned that a sufficient number of delegates would not arrive in time, and in early January, 1784, began to consider voting on ratification with the delegates already present..
However, upon the arrival of Richard Beresford of South Carolina in Annapolis just a few days later, a quorum was reached, and Congress voted unanimously to ratify the Treaty. Congress then ordered “That a proclamation be immediately issued, notifying…the states of the union” that the Treaty had been signed.” For more, CLICK HERE.
Yes…Beresford as in Beresford Creek, Beresford Creek Landing, Beresford Creek Course and Beresford Creek Street here on Daniel Island. Richard Beresford was born in Berkeley County and owned extensive land holdings in both Berkeley and Colleton Counties. CLICK HERE for more of his biography. The preceding link is to FoundersoftheDay.com. They also have a YouTube channel. To access it, CLICK HERE.