Sealed in Peace

The Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris on September 3, 1783 and ratified in Annapolis on January 14, 1784. Although the British Army had surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781, it took nearly two years to negotiate the terms of peace. The treaty was sent from France to Philadelphia, and taken to Annapolis by Thomas Mifflin, president of Congress. Ratification of the treaty required the presence of nine states, and confirmed international recognition of American independence. This occurred in the Old Senate Chamber on January 14, 1784, and made Annapolis the first peacetime capital of the new United States.

The final page of the treaty contains the wax seals of David Hartley, representing Great Britain, and each of the American peace commissioners: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay.

The Road to Peace - August 1779 - August 1784

Ratification of the Treaty of Pairs