The United States and Colonies of America, from 1774-2014, has had nine[1] cities or towns that served as their seats of government. Commonly referred to as "Capitals," the Congresses of the United Colonies and States of America actually convened in 14 different buildings from September 5, 1774 to November 17, 1800.
Annapolis, Maryland November 26, 1783 to August 19, 1784 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401
The Maryland State House, a testament to American history and architectural prowess, was conceived by Joseph Horatio Anderson in 1767. Construction of this iconic structure commenced in 1772 but faced delays due to the tumultuous period of the American Revolution, finally reaching completion in 1773.
Architectural Features
The State House exemplifies the Georgian style, constructed with red brick and featuring a symmetrical design. At its center, a small portico projects outward, crowned by a pediment. The entrance is flanked by two high arched windows, harmoniously complementing the large rectangular windows that line both stories of the façade.
Above the windows, a cornice is adorned with another pediment, while the sloping roof gives way to a central octagonal drum supporting the building's most distinctive feature - its dome. This impressive dome is topped by a balustrade balcony, followed by another octagonal drum and a lantern. The interior of the dome soars to a height of 113 feet from floor to ceiling, while the entire building encompasses 120,900 square feet under roof.
Historical Significance
The Maryland State House holds the distinction of being the oldest American state capitol in continuous legislative use3. Its historical importance extends beyond its architectural merits. On February 2, 1781, within these walls, the Maryland legislature ratified the Articles of Confederation, a pivotal moment that effectively dissolved the old U.S. Continental Congress government.
Additional Historical Events
From November 26, 1783, to August 13, 1784, the State House served as the nation's capitol when the Fourth United States in Congress Assembled convened here, with President Thomas Mifflin presiding. During this period, several significant events occurred:
On December 23rd, 1783 the USCA holds a public session accepting George Washington's resignation as Commander-in-Chief with seven states present.
On January 14th, 1784 the USCA ratifies the Paris Definitive Treaty of Peace with nine states present. In compliance with the treaty the USCA recommends that the states "provide for the restitution of" confiscated loyalist property.
On January 30th, 1784 the USCA grants the necessary Canton ship’s papers to the Empress of China for opening U.S. trade to the Far East.
On February 3th, 1784 Congress creates a post of undersecretary to revive office for foreign affairs. On March 2nd they elect Henry Remsen under secretary for foreign affairs but deadlock over the appointment of a new US Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
On March 24th, 1784 Major General Baron Steuben Inspector General resigns and the USCA accepts on April 15, 1784.
On April 9th, 1784 King George III accepts the USCA nine state January 14th, 1784 ratification proclamation and ratifies the Definitive Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War.
May 7th, 1784 the USCA appoints John Jay US Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Committee of States convenes on July 8, 1784 and meets intermittently until August 9, 1784 when it collapses. The chief lesson that comes from the Committee of the States was that an executive of the plurality was not an effective form of government. This lesson ultimately resulted in the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 creating a separate executive branch of government in its tripartite system, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America.
The Dome
The current dome, which replaced an earlier cupola, was designed by Joseph Clark and completed in 1794. It stands as the oldest and largest wooden dome of its kind in the United States1. The dome's construction is particularly noteworthy as it was built without the use of nails.
Between 1902 and 1906, an annex was added to the State House under the supervision of Baltimore architects Baldwin & Pennington. This addition houses the current chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate, featuring walls clad in black and gold Italian marble.
The Maryland State House continues to stand as a symbol of American democracy and architectural ingenuity, bridging the nation's revolutionary past with its present governance.
Delegates Serving in the Annapolis USCA Session
Connecticut
Roger Sherman Elected: October 9,1783 Annapolis Attendance: January 13 to June 4,1784
James Wadsworth Elected: October 9,1783 to Annapolis Attendance: January 13 to June 3,1784
Delaware
Gunning Bedford, Jr. , Elected: February 1, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: March 8-13, 1784.
Eleazer McComb, Elected: February 1, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to January 17, 1784.
James Tilton, Elected: February 1, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to March 13, 1784
Georgia
John Houstoun Elected: January 9, 1784 Annapolis Attendance: June 30 to August 13, 1784
Maryland
Jeremiah Townley Chase, Elected: December 9,1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 15, 1783, to March 8, 1784; March 17 to April 5; April 12 to June 4; June 28 to August 9; August 12-19,1784
Edward Lloyd, Elected: November 26, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13-27, 1783; January 2 to February 6, 1784.
James McHenry, Elected: November 26, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13-27, 1783; March 27 to April 29; May 31 to June 3; August 10-11, 1784
Thomas Stone, Elected: November 26,1783 Annapolis Attendance: March 26 to June 3,1784
Massachusetts
Francis Dana, Elected: February 11, 1784 Annapolis Attendance: May 24 to June 4; June 26 to August 10,1784
Elbridge Gerry, Elected: June 27, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to June 3, 1784.
Samuel Osgood, Elected: July 9, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to March 1, 1784.
George Partridge, Elected: June 28, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to June 3, 1784.
New Hampshire
Jonathan Blanchard, Elected: December 26, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: March 1 to June 4; June 26 to August 9, 1784
Abiel Foster, 12-13-1783 Elected: Elected: February 19, 1783 and December 26, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to June 3, 1784
New Jersey
John Beatty, Elected: November 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: January 13 to June 3,1784
Samuel Dick Elected: November 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: February 25 to June 4, 1784; July 5 to August 11, 1784.
John Stevens, Elected: November 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: May 20 to June 3, 1784
New York
Charles DeWitt, Elected: February 3, 1784, Annapolis Attendance: March 27 to June 4, 1784
Ephraim Paine, Elected: February 3, 1784, Annapolis Attendance: March 25 to June 3, 1784
North Carolina
Benjamin Hawkins, Elected: April 25, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13-20, 1783
Hugh Williamson, Elected: April 23, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to May 13, 1784; May 17 to June 3, 1784
Richard Dobbs Spaight, Elected: May 11, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to February 13, 1784; February 23 to May 13; May 17 to June 4; June 30 to August 19, 1784
Pennsylvania
Edward Hand, Elected: November 12, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 24, 1783 to February 5, 1784; March 27 to June 4; June 26 to August 19, 1784.
Thomas Mifflin, Elected: November 12, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to March 8, 1784; March 15-27; April 1 to June 3, 1784. He served as President during the Annapolis Session.
John Montgomery, Elected: November 12, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: January 22 to March 19; March 25 to April 1; April 13 to June 3, 1784.
Cadwalader Morris, Elected: November 12, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to January 15, 1784,
Rhode Island
William Ellery, Elected: May 7, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to June 4, 1784
David Howell, Elected: May 5, 1784, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783, to June 3, 1784
South Carolina
Jacob Read, Elected: February 12, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to June 4, 1784
Richard Beresford, Elected: March 15, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: January - 14 to June 3, 1784
Virginia
Samuel Hardy, Elected: June 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13-21, 1783; February 24 to June 4, 1784; June 26 to August 19, 1784.
Thomas Jefferson, Elected: June 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to April 12, 1784. Thomas Jefferson was elected Chairman of the United States in Congress assembled on March 12, 1784 and elected Chairman again on March, 30 1784 to preside during Thomas Mifflin’s Absence.
Arthur Lee, Elected: June 6, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to April 12, 1784; May 5 to June 3, 1784.
John Francis Mercer, Elected: June 6, 1783, Annapolis Attendance: March 19 to June 3, 1784
James Mercer, Elected: June 6, 1783; June 22, 1784, Annapolis Attendance: March 19 to June 3, 1784
James Monroe, Elected: June 6, 1783 Annapolis Attendance: December 13, 1783 to April 14, 1784; April 23 to June 3, 1784
Convenes New Congress; Elects Thomas Mifflin President (Elects Daniel Carroll Chairman in the President's Absence): A new session of Congress is convened, and Thomas Mifflin is elected as its president. In his absence, Daniel Carroll is chosen to serve as chairman.
November 4, 1783(Tuesday):
Authorizes Discharge of the Continental Army - "Except 500 Men, with Proper Officers": Congress formally orders the disbandment of the Continental Army, retaining only 500 men to serve as a small standing force. This marks the end of the revolutionary army's active service.
Adjourns to Annapolis, to Reconvene on the 26th: Congress decides to move to Annapolis, Maryland, and adjourns, planning to reconvene later in the month.
Reconvenes at Annapolis: Congress resumes its session at the new location in Annapolis, Maryland, following its adjournment in early November.
December 15, 1783 (Monday):
Fails to Convene Quorum: For the second time, Congress fails to gather enough members to meet the quorum necessary for conducting official business.
December 16, 1783 (Tuesday):
Reads Foreign Dispatches: Congress receives and reviews foreign dispatches, likely concerning the state of diplomatic relations and ongoing negotiations with European powers following the end of the war.
December 17 (Wednesday):
Fails to Convene Quorum: For a second day in a row, Congress is unable to assemble a quorum.
December 22, 1783 (Monday):
Holds Public Entertainment for General Washington: Congress hosts a public reception for General George Washington, honoring his leadership in the war and preparing for his resignation from military command.
December 23, 1783 (Tuesday):
Appeals to Unrepresented States to Maintain Congressional Attendance: Frustrated by continued absences, Congress issues a formal appeal to the states to ensure they send delegates to maintain representation.
Receives Washington and Accepts His Resignation as Commander-in-Chief: In a historic moment, General Washington appears before Congress and formally resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of military power to civilian authority.
December 27 (Saturday):
Receives Report on Capital Location: Congress receives a report concerning the future permanent location of the nation's capital, an issue that had sparked much debate throughout the year.
December 29, 1783 (Monday):
Fails to Convene Quorum: Congress fails to gather enough members to conduct official business for the remainder of the year.
USCA Journals – United States of America - 1784
January 1784
January 3, 1784 (Saturday):
Resolves to Receive Francis Dana Regarding His Mission to Russia: Congress agrees to hear Francis Dana, the U.S. envoy to Russia, concerning his diplomatic efforts to secure Russian recognition and establish formal relations.
January 5, 1784 (Monday):
Rejects Proposal to Nominate Knights to the Polish Order of Divine Providence: Congress votes against the proposal to nominate individuals for a Polish chivalric order, demonstrating its reluctance to engage in European-style aristocratic practices.
January 8, 1784 (Thursday):
Debates Quaker Petition for Suppression of the Slave Trade: Congress considers the petition submitted by Quakers, who call for the suppression of the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the emerging abolitionist sentiment in certain states.
January 10, 1784 (Saturday):
Fails to Convene Quorum: Congress is unable to assemble the required number of delegates to proceed with business, a recurring issue due to low attendance.
January 14, 1784 (Wednesday):
Ratifies Definitive Treaty of Peace, "Nine States Being Present"; Recommends That the States "Provide for the Restitution of" Confiscated Loyalist Property: Congress officially ratifies the Treaty of Paris, which ends the Revolutionary War, and recommends that the states restore property confiscated from Loyalists during the conflict as a condition of the treaty.
United States in Congress Assembled Treaty of Paris Ratification Proclamation signed by President Thomas Mifflin and Secretary Charles Thomson.
January 15 (Thursday):
Acquiesces in Public Creditor Demand That Loan Office Certificate Interest Not Be Subject to Depreciation: Congress agrees to a demand from creditors that the interest on loan office certificates should not be subject to depreciation, aiming to protect the value of these wartime securities.
January 17-20, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum: Congress once again fails to gather enough members to meet quorum and conduct official business.
January 21, 1784 (Wednesday):
Rejects Motion Denying Continental Jurisdiction in Lusannah Admiralty Appeal: Congress rules that it has jurisdiction in the Lusannah case, an admiralty dispute, asserting its authority over maritime matters.
January 22, 1784 (Thursday):
Halts Plan to Dispose of Military Stores: Congress postpones the sale of remaining military supplies, possibly to ensure these resources were adequately managed in the post-war transition.
January 23, 1784 (Friday):
Sets Date for Selecting Judges to Determine "the Private Right of Soil" in the Wyoming Valley: A date is set to appoint judges to resolve land ownership disputes in the contested Wyoming Valley between Pennsylvania and Connecticut settlers.
January 26, 1784 (Monday):
Narrows Half-Pay Eligibility Rules: Congress refines the rules on who is eligible for the half-pay pension promised to Continental Army officers, making the program more selective.
January 27-28, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum: Congress is again unable to convene enough members to meet quorum requirements.
January 30, 1784 (Friday):
Grants Sea-Letters for The Empress of China Voyage to Canton: Congress issues sea-letters, which are permissions to sail, for The Empress of China, the first American ship to embark on a commercial voyage to China, marking the beginning of U.S. trade with Asia.
February 3, 1784 (Tuesday):
Creates Post of Undersecretary to Revive Office for Foreign Affairs: Congress establishes the position of undersecretary to assist in reviving the Office for Foreign Affairs, which had been dormant due to a lack of direction and leadership.
February 4-5, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum.
February 6, 1784 (Friday):
Issues Brevet Promotions for Departing Foreign Officers: Congress promotes several foreign officers who had served in the Continental Army, giving them brevet (honorary) ranks as they prepare to return to Europe.
February 7-9, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum.
February 10, 1784 (Tuesday):
Plans General Treaty with Indian Nations of the Northern Department: Congress begins planning a treaty with the Native American tribes in the northern frontier, seeking to stabilize relations and secure U.S. territorial claims.
February 11, 1784 (Wednesday):
Registers Commissions of Five French Consuls and Five Vice-Consuls: Congress officially registers the commissions of French consuls, formalizing diplomatic and commercial relationships with France at the regional level.
February 12, 1784 (Thursday):
Fails to Convene Quorum.
February 16-23, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum.
February 24, 1784 (Tuesday):
Postpones Debate on Garrisoning Frontier Posts Due to Failure of Nine-State Representation: Congress delays discussion on how to manage military garrisons on the western frontier, as it lacks the quorum necessary to make significant decisions.
February 27, 1784 (Friday):
Commends Marquis de la Rouerie; Deadlocks Over Appointment of a Secretary for Foreign Affairs: Congress praises the service of French officer Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie, but fails to reach consensus on appointing a new secretary for foreign affairs.
March 1, 1784 (Monday):
Receives Indiana Company Petition; Accepts Virginia Cession of Western Land Claims; Reads Western Land Ordinance Report: Congress receives a petition from the Indiana Company concerning land claims in the west. Virginia’s cession of its western land claims is accepted, and the report on the western land ordinance is read, marking significant steps toward managing western expansion.
March 2, 1784 (Tuesday):
Elects Henry Remsen Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs; Deadlocks Over Appointment of a Secretary: Henry Remsen is appointed to assist in managing foreign affairs, but Congress remains divided on who should lead the office.
March 4, 1784 (Thursday):
Elects Commissioners to Negotiate with the Indians: Congress selects commissioners to represent the United States in upcoming treaty negotiations with Native American tribes, essential for securing peace and territorial boundaries.
March 5, 1784 (Friday):
Debates Plans for Holding Treaty with the Indians: Congress discusses how to best organize and execute negotiations with Native American tribes in the northern department, reflecting the complexities of post-war diplomacy on the frontier.
March 10, 1784 (Wednesday):
Fails to Convene Quorum.
March 12, 1784 (Friday):
Rejects Connecticut Protest Against Half-Pay Plan: Congress dismisses Connecticut’s objection to the half-pay plan for Continental officers, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling this promise.
March 13, 1784 (Saturday):
Rejects Delaware Delegate Credentials, Exceeding Three-Year Limitation: Delaware’s delegate is rejected for exceeding the three-year service limit imposed by the Articles of Confederation.
March 16, 1784 (Tuesday):
Bars Appointment of Aliens to Consular and Other Foreign Posts: Congress establishes a rule that only U.S. citizens can be appointed to consular or other foreign posts, reflecting concerns about loyalty and national identity.
March 19, 1784 (Friday):
Adopts Instructions for Indian Commissioners: Congress finalizes instructions for the commissioners tasked with negotiating treaties with Native American tribes.
March 22-25, 1784:
Postpones Debate on Lusannah Admiralty Appeal: Congress continues to delay its decision on this admiralty case due to ongoing challenges in assembling enough delegates for key votes.
March 23, 1784 (Tuesday):
Rejects Credentials of Massachusetts Delegate Samuel Osgood: Congress refuses to seat Samuel Osgood as a Massachusetts delegate, likely due to procedural or eligibility concerns.
March 26, 1784 (Friday):
Affirms That in Negotiating Commercial Treaties These United States Be Considered "As One Nation, Upon the Principles of the Federal Constitution": Congress asserts that the United States must be treated as a single entity when negotiating trade agreements, emphasizing national unity in foreign policy.
March 30, 1784 (Tuesday):
Sets Quotas and Adopts Fiscal Appeal to the States; Rejects Motion Denying Continental Jurisdiction in Lusannah Appeal: Congress sets financial quotas for the states and appeals to them to meet their fiscal obligations. It also rejects the motion to deny jurisdiction over the Lusannah case.
April 1-2, 1784:
Debates Report on Negotiating Commercial Treaties: Congress continues its discussions on how to approach international trade negotiations in the aftermath of the war.
April 5, 1784 (Monday):
Adopts Appeal to the States on Arrears of Interest Payments on the Public Debt: Congress urges the states to address overdue interest payments on the public debt, highlighting the ongoing financial crisis facing the new nation.
April 6, 1784 (Tuesday):
Reads Report on Maintaining Frontier Garrisons: Congress considers a report on the need to maintain garrisons in the western frontier to protect settlements and enforce territorial claims.
April 8, 1784 (Thursday):
Instructs Agent of Marine on Sale of Continental Ships: Congress directs the agent of marine to proceed with selling off some of the Continental Navy’s ships, a reflection of the post-war downsizing.
April 12, 1784 (Monday):
Debates Public Debt: Congress continues to grapple with the issue of public debt and how to address the nation’s financial obligations, a central challenge in the early years of independence.
April 14, 1784 (Wednesday):
Debates Motion to Adjourn from Annapolis to Various Proposed Sites: With continued dissatisfaction over the location of Congress, delegates discuss moving the national legislature to other cities.
April 16, 1784 (Friday):
Instructs "Commissioners for Treating with the Indian Nations": Congress provides further instructions to the commissioners tasked with negotiating with Native American tribes, a critical element of frontier policy.
April 19, 1784 (Monday):
Debates Western Land Ordinance; Deletes Anti-Slavery Paragraph: Congress debates the land ordinance governing the western territories and controversially removes a clause that would have prohibited slavery in the new territories.
Debates Western Land Ordinance of 1784: Further debate ensues over how to manage and distribute western lands, which will become the foundation for future states.
April 24, 1784 (Saturday):
Receives New York Memorial Concerning the Vermont Dispute: Congress hears a memorial from New York regarding its territorial dispute with the self-proclaimed Republic of Vermont, which seeks recognition as an independent state.
April 26, 1784 (Monday):
Resolves to Adjourn June 3, to Reconvene at Trenton October 30; Debates Capital's Location: Congress decides to adjourn in early June and reconvene in Trenton, New Jersey, while continuing the debate over where the permanent national capital should be located.
April 27-28, 1784:
Debates Public Debt: Discussion continues on how to manage the burgeoning public debt, a pressing issue for the survival of the new republic’s creditworthiness.
April 28, 1784 (Wednesday):
Orders Arrest of Henry Carbery, Leader of Pennsylvania Mutiny: Congress orders the arrest of Henry Carbery, who led a mutiny of Pennsylvania soldiers, signaling its concern about maintaining military discipline.
April 29, 1784 (Thursday):
Exhorts States to Complete Western Land Cessions: Congress urges the states to finalize the cession of their western land claims, a crucial step for organizing and governing these territories under federal authority.
April 30, 1784 (Friday):
Requests States to Vest Congress with Power to Regulate Trade "for the Term of Fifteen Years": Congress appeals to the states to grant it the authority to regulate trade for a limited period, seeking to manage commerce more effectively in the early years of the republic.
May 3, 1784 (Monday):
Reaffirms Secrecy Rule on Foreign Dispatches; Receives French Announcement on Opening Free Ports to U.S. Trade: Congress emphasizes the need to maintain secrecy in diplomatic communications and receives notice from France about the opening of free ports to American commerce.
May 5, 1784 (Wednesday):
Debates Retrenchment of the Civil List: Congress discusses reducing the civil list, which includes the salaries of government officials, in an effort to cut expenses and address the financial crisis.
May 7, 1784 (Friday):
Sets Diplomatic Salaries; Appoints John Jay Secretary for Foreign Affairs: Congress establishes salaries for diplomats and officially appoints John Jay as secretary for foreign affairs, a key position in managing the young nation's foreign relations.
May 11, 1784 (Tuesday):
Adopts Instructions for Negotiation of Commercial Treaties: Congress provides its diplomats with specific instructions for negotiating trade agreements with foreign nations, prioritizing U.S. economic interests.
May 12, 1784 (Wednesday):
Resolves to Request Delivery of Frontier Posts to U.S. Troops: Congress formally requests that British forces relinquish control of frontier posts in accordance with the peace treaty.
May 15, 1784 (Saturday):
Debates Disqualification of Rhode Island Delegates: Congress discusses whether to disqualify Rhode Island’s delegates due to procedural issues, reflecting the ongoing political tensions among the states.
May 17, 1784 (Monday):
Receives Announcement of French Minister La Luzerne's Intention to Return to France: Congress is informed that the French minister, La Luzerne, will be returning to France, marking a diplomatic transition.
May 18, 1784 (Tuesday):
Orders Troops for the Protection of Indian Commissioners: Congress authorizes military protection for commissioners tasked with negotiating treaties with Native American tribes.
May 19-24, 1784:
Debates Disqualification of Rhode Island Delegates: Further debate ensues over the status of Rhode Island’s delegates, with Congress struggling to maintain consistent attendance and representation from all states.
May 21-22, 1784:
Fails to Convene Quorum.
May 25-27, 1784:
Debates Garrisoning Frontier Posts: Congress continues its discussion on how to best manage and garrison military posts along the western frontier, vital for protecting settlers and enforcing U.S. territorial claims.
May 28, 1784 (Friday):
Adopts "Ordinance for Putting the Department of Finance into Commission"; Reads Proposed Land Ordinance and Report on Indian Affairs: Congress establishes a new structure for managing federal finances and reviews important proposals concerning land distribution and Indian relations.
May 29, 1784 (Saturday):
Appoints Committee of the States "to Sit in the Recess of Congress," and Adopts Resolutions Defining Its Powers and Rules; Offers Reward for Arrest of Chevalier de Longchamps for Assault on the French Consul General, the Marquis de Barbe-Marbois: Congress appoints a Committee of the States to manage government affairs during its recess and offers a reward for the capture of Longchamps, who had assaulted a French official, highlighting diplomatic tensions.
May 31, 1784 (Monday):
Debates Garrisoning Frontier Posts: Congress continues its debate on the strategic importance of maintaining a military presence in the western frontier.
June 1, 1784 (Tuesday):
Resolves to Meet Thrice Daily Until Adjournment: To expedite business before the upcoming adjournment, Congress agrees to hold three daily sessions.
June 2, 1784 (Wednesday):
Orders Discharge of Continental Troops "Except 25 Privates to Guard the Stores at Fort Pitt, and 55 to Guard the Stores at West Point": Congress orders the demobilization of most of the remaining Continental Army, leaving only small garrisons at Fort Pitt and West Point to safeguard military supplies.
June 3, 1784 (Thursday):
Instructs Ministers Plenipotentiary Not to Relinquish Navigation of the Mississippi; Authorizes Call of 700 Militiamen to Protect the Northwestern Frontiers; Elects Three Treasury Commissioners; Adjourns "to Meet at Trenton on the 30th Day of October": Congress provides further diplomatic instructions regarding the Mississippi River, authorizes militia to protect the frontier, and appoints commissioners to oversee federal finances. The session is adjourned until October 30 in Trenton.
June 4, 1784 (Friday):
Convenes Committee of the States: The Committee of the States, tasked with managing affairs during Congress’s recess, convenes to begin its duties.
June 26, 1784 (Saturday):
Fails to Convene Quorum to July 5: The Committee of the States fails to gather a quorum, stalling business until early July.
Chronology of the Committee of the States from July 5 – August 3, 1784
Background: The Committee of the States was a body created by the Continental Congress to manage governmental affairs during the recess of Congress. The committee was to function with a quorum of nine states, but throughout its session in the summer of 1784, it faced significant challenges, including the inability to meet quorum frequently. Below is a chronology of the activities of the committee during this period.
July 5, 1784 (Monday):
The Committee of the States Reconvenes: After failing to convene on multiple previous dates in June, the Committee of the States finally assembles. It adopts rules to guide its operations and meets in session. The committee begins its business, which includes managing governmental affairs, overseeing the execution of congressional decisions, and handling financial and military matters.
July 6-20, 1784:
Sessions Continue Regularly: Over the next two weeks, the Committee of the States holds daily or near-daily sessions. The committee works on a range of issues, including:
Reviewing the state of federal finances.
Overseeing the execution of treaties and instructions to diplomats.
Managing military affairs, including garrisoning frontier posts and ensuring the protection of western settlements.
Continuing debates on the disposition of federal lands, particularly concerning the western territories ceded by states like Virginia.
Addressing the ongoing issue of maintaining a standing military force, especially in the context of garrisoning military forts such as West Point and Fort Pitt.
Discussing the trade relationships with foreign nations, especially in light of the recent peace with Britain and the need to establish new commercial treaties.
July 16, 1784 (Friday):
Orders Recall of Commissioners Investigating British Embarkations from New York: The committee directs the recall of commissioners who had been overseeing the British evacuation from New York after the Revolutionary War, now that the process was largely complete.
July 23, 1784 (Friday):
Receives Address from Philadelphia Inviting Congress to Return: The committee receives an official address from the city of Philadelphia, inviting Congress to return to the city after its adjournment to Princeton, NJ. Philadelphia, seeking to restore its status as the national capital, makes the case for hosting the government again.
July 28, 1784 (Wednesday):
Committee Sends Noncommittal Response to Philadelphia's Invitation: The committee sends a carefully worded response to the Philadelphia address, avoiding a firm commitment on whether Congress or the government will relocate to the city, as the debate over the permanent location of the capital continued to loom large in national politics.
July 29, 1784 (Thursday):
Ratifies Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden: The committee approves and ratifies a treaty of amity and commerce with Sweden, further solidifying the United States’ diplomatic and trade relationships with European powers.
July 30, 1784 (Friday):
Directs Superintendent of Finance to Publish Regulations for "Morris Notes": The committee orders the Superintendent of Finance, Robert Morris, to publish official regulations regarding the use of "Morris Notes"—a form of promissory note issued by Morris’s office to help manage the federal government’s chronic shortage of funds. These notes were intended to stabilize the economy and provide liquidity in the face of wartime debt.
August 1, 1784 (Sunday):
Committee Rejects Motion to Adjourn to Philadelphia: A motion is brought forward to adjourn the committee’s proceedings to Philadelphia, but it is rejected. Philadelphia's attempt to regain its status as the nation's capital is thus delayed.
August 3, 1784 (Tuesday):
The Committee Dissolves Amid Controversy: On this day, the Committee of the States effectively dissolves. Having faced mounting challenges, including consistent difficulties in maintaining a quorum, the committee was unable to continue its work effectively. The inability to achieve a quorum regularly crippled its functionality, and by this point, the committee’s sessions came to an end, leaving its intended work unfinished.
Outcome and Consequences: The failure of the Committee of the States to function effectively exposed significant weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Its inability to maintain consistent participation from the states, coupled with its limited powers, underscored the need for a stronger central government—one of the many factors that would eventually lead to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
November 1, 1784 – Monday – Congress Convenes at Trenton
Congress was scheduled to reconvene in Trenton, New Jersey. However, only two states were represented, which fell well short of the nine-state quorum required under the Articles of Confederation to officially convene. As a result, Congress could not conduct any legislative business, reflecting the ongoing challenge of securing consistent state participation.
November 29, 1784 – Monday – Quorum Achieved
After almost a month of delay, Congress finally achieved a quorum with seven states represented. Although this was still not the full nine-state quorum required for more substantive legislative actions, Congress was now able to officially convene and begin addressing important issues, though significant decisions would still require additional state participation.
The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.
** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
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