William Shapard - (Chapter 3) The Revolutionary War - Cumberland County, Virginia - 1775-1783

Chapter 3

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR – CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA

1775 – 1783

 

We must not forget that, during this time, Virginia was a colony of England, governed by the British monarchy, and the first Virginia settlers considered themselves Englishmen. Initially, all their laws, customs, manners and traditions were English in origin. Gradually, however, during the 168 years between the initial settlement in Virginia in 1607, until the beginning of the Revolutionary War in 1775, the inhabitants of Virginia became self-aware, evolving into a new culture by way of their wilderness environment and unique lifestyle. The seeds of revolution began as early as 1764, due to the colonies’ standpoint that England’s taxation of them without parliamentary representation was unjust and a threat to liberty. In response, British troops were sent to the colonies to enforce the taxation and have a royal military presence felt by the colonists. Tension continued to grow, and on March 5, 1770, the Boston Massacre occurred, whereby, British soldiers fired on a group of protesting colonists, killing five. After this event, a boiling point was reached between the colonies and England. In December of 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred in defiance of the Tea Act. In 1774, the first Continental Congress convened, fanning public opinion towards revolution. The initial shots of the American Revolution rang out on April 19, 1775 at the battle of Lexington in Massachusetts, followed shortly thereafter by the Battle of Concord in Massachusetts. In May of 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened, electing George Washington as the commander of the colonial patriot forces. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Continental Congress.

When the winds of revolutionary fervor began to blow across the colonies, the Shapard family was residing in Cumberland County, Virginia. This colony became a fount for revolutionary ardor and was the birthplace of patriots, such as, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Patrick Henry.  In the Spring of 1775, Virginia committed herself to the cause of American independence, when the first troops were raised by the Virginia revolutionary government. In June of 1775, Lord Dunmore the Tory Governor of Virginia fled, with the colony’s stockpile of gunpowder, to a British war vessel in the Chesapeake where he, by the protection of water, used the ship’s cannons to destroy plantation houses and bombard the town of Norfolk. In January of 1776, Lord Dunmore sailed back to England after being driven away by Virginia forces. For the next three years, the British had no foothold on Virginia soil which allowed an opportunity for revolutionary enthusiasm to pervade over loyalist sentiment within the colony. The vacancy for Governor of Virginia, left by Lord Dunmore, was initially filled by the great orator and patriot Patrick Henry from 1776 – 1779, followed by the election of Thomas Jefferson from 1779 – 1781.

One of the first actions by the rebelling colonists of Virginia was to seek religious freedom against the Church of England. During this time, the Church of England was the official church of the colonies and all colonists were taxed to support its endeavors. In the spring of 1775, a series of petitions arose regarding freedom of religion and the disestablishment of the Church of England. The most notable of these petitions was the “10,000 Name Petition,” having over 125 pages of signatures, which was presented to the first General Assembly of the Virginia Convention on October 16, 1776. One of the signatures on this petition was that of William Shapard. In addition, in November of 1780, William Shapard signed a Cumberland County religious petition against the clergy of the Church of England, stating that, “preachers who refuse to give allegiance to the state should not enjoy the same privileges as citizens who have fulfilled all requirements of the government.” It is believed that the Shapard family ceased attending religious services at the Church of England prior to the year 1775, and eventually became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

On May 10, 1777, the General Assembly of Virginia was petitioned by many of the inhabitants of Cumberland County to divide the county along parish lines, creating two counties. Cumberland County had been previously divided into two parishes, in 1772, when Littleton Parish was created from the western portion of Southam Parish. As Cumberland County became more inhabited, it became practical to try to localize the seat of county government through the division of the county. William Shapard was in support of the division of Cumberland County, and was one of the names on the legislative petition of 1777. In response, Powhatan County was formed, assuming the boundaries of Southam parish; whereas, Cumberland County assumed the boundaries of Littleton Parish.

About the year 1780, William’s sister-in-law, Joanna (Booker) Woodson died in Cumberland County. While visiting the Shapards, Joanna was introduced to William’s neighbor, John Woodson, whom she eventually married circa 1768. As neighbors, Joanna remained very close with the Shapard family over the years. Joanna’s death was especially sad for Mary (Booker) Shapard, as she was extremely close with her sister. Mary, no doubt, felt an obligation to care for her six young nieces and nephews after they were orphaned by their mother. The children eventually gained family stability when Mr. Woodson remarried, about the year 1785, to Elizabeth (Raine) Venable, who was the widow of John Venable.

Thus far, during the course of the war, the British had focused their military efforts on the colonies far to the north and to the south of Virginia. Cumberland County had remained relatively quiet and life and business seemed to proceed with its usual tempo, apart from the occasional continental or militia troop that would march through the county and the ever rising inflation. Nevertheless, the issues of government and war were at the forefront of most conversations. There had been a growing fear that the theater of war would eventually reach Cumberland County, if, and when, the British turned their efforts inland. Preparations were made for a defense of the county in the form of collection and stockpile of war goods and training of the local militia. Beverly Randolph, Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia, and his Lieutenant-Colonels, Henry Skipworth and Benjamin Wilson, and Major George Carrington, Jr., periodically collected goods and drilled the local militiamen in preparation of an anticipated British invasion.   

In the summer of 1780, everything changed for Cumberland County, as Virginia was fully thrust back into the war when British General Charles Cornwallis overran South Carolina and began a push into North Carolina. With Georgia and South Carolina under British control and North Carolina under invasion, Virginia prepared for the defense of her boarders. Unfortunately most of the highly-trained Virginia regular troops had already been sent south into neighboring colonies in an effort to halt General Cornwallis’ advance; therefore, the defense of Virginia towns and communities rested on the shoulders of the mostly untrained local militia.

The militia were citizen soldiers whom were organized by county and required to participate in periodic training drills throughout the year. Many did not own a gun or proper clothing. During the war, militia units were organized into “classes” of 15 to 20 men whom could be called into service (drafted) at any time to assist the regular Virginia troops. Generally if summoned, militia classes would serve a tour of duty from a few weeks to three months before returning home. Most militiamen only desired to serve for short periods, preferring to stay close to home to tend to their crops, families and businesses. If a militiaman was called into service, he could opt out by providing an able-bodied man as a substitute for himself. Due to their perilous arrangement, substitutes were often highly paid or handsomely compensated.

In the fall of 1780, there was a great call among the Commonwealth of Virginia to rally 3,000 able-bodied militiamen as a defense against the British advance. At that time, William Shapard was a volunteer in the Cumberland County, Virginia Militia and was called into active service. Apparently, due to his older age (approximately 40 years old) or his commitments to his domestic and business obligations, William desired a substitute in his stead and called upon his eldest son, seventeen year old Samuel Booker Shapard, to fill the position. When propositioned by his father, Samuel was engaged in higher education as a student or apprentice. Later in life Samuel became a lawyer, and it is presumed that he had just begun his schooling at this time. Since his father’s request required him to break up his educational pursuits for two years, his father agreed to compensate him greatly for his service when he reached the age of maturity. During the Revolutionary War, Samuel B. Shapard represented our family by serving two tours of duty in the Cumberland County, Virginia Militia for his father from 1780 until late 1781.

In addition to his military service as a substitute, William also utilized his son, Samuel, as an employee in the family business when he was home between tours of duty. As compensation for two years of sacrifice and service, William bestowed upon Samuel a Deed of Gift, whereby Samuel on his twenty-first birthday became owner of his father’s entire estate; including slaves, land, livestock, wagons, etc. The Deed was registered and stated, ”Be it remembered on the 12^th day of November in the year of our Lord Christ 1784, that I, William Shapard, of Cumberland County for __ and __ more especially for the natural affections I have unto my son Samuel Shapard do by these presents ___ and consent and agree to give my estate thereafter mentioned and I do hereby fully absolutely divest myself of all manner of claim interest and title to the same to have and to hold to my aforesaid son Samuel Shapard except some debts I shall mention, I give to my son James ____. I give unto my son James one debt due from George Wright’s executors, a debt due from Saymour Wright, a debt due from Robert Lawson, money that he has received of mine and waggonage done by me. I give unto my son Samuel Shapard all my negros (to wit) old Ishmael, Phil, Peter, Peg, Tamas, Harry, Young Ishmael, Hannah, Jack and Nan my wagon and all my horses all my stock o f any kind that I should hereafter purchase ___. I give unto my son Samuel Shapard all my estate be it of what kind it will all judgment that may be obtained. I give unto my son Samuel the land where I now live with all the things thereunto belonging if he or I should sell the land the money arising from the sale I give unto my son Samuel on his making a right to the purchase. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. (Signed) Wm Shapard.”

  

              It may be of interest to know that other relatives of the Shapard family fought in the Revolutionary War.  William Shapard’s brother-in-law, Lewis Booker (b. May 21, 1754 – d. December 23, 1814) was highly decorated during the war. He enlisted in the 7^th Virginia Continental Regiment the winter of 1775-1776, and was appointed as a Lieutenant on January 13, 1777. His regiment eventually became the 1^st Continental Artillery where he became a Captain-Lieutenant. Lewis Booker was on the muster rolls at Valley Forge, Camp White Plains, Camp Fredericksburg, Pluckemin, Middlebrook, Smiths Cove, New Windsor, and Morristown. After the Revolution, on September 30, 1783, Lewis retired after 7 years of active service. He was awarded land grants in the amount of 4,667 acres in 1784, 300 acres in 1796, and 555 acres in 1808. Capt. Lewis Booker returned to Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, where he, in 1784, was elected as a vestryman of Petsworth Parish until 1792. Lewis married Judith Dudley of Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. Lewis’ father, James Booker, died in 1793 and bequeathed Lewis his plantation in Essex County named “Laurel Grove.” Initially Lewis was a member of the Episcopal Church in Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, however, after his move to “Laurel Grove,“ he attended Howertons Baptist Church which was located one mile from Millers Tavern.  Lewis became an inspector of flour, tobacco, etc., and was a magistrate until his death. Lewis Booker died of diphtheria on December 23, 1814 at 61 years of age and was buried on the grounds of “Laurel Grove.” His remains now rest in the hallowed grounds of the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church (built 1838) at Millers Tavern, Essex County, Virginia. 

William Shapard’s eldest brother, Samuel Shapard (b. circa 1727 – d. 1781) had three sons (Samuel, Reuben and William) whom were all under the age of 21, in 1782, at the end of the war. As of yet, no military records have been located from his children in the Revolutionary War.

William Shapard’s brother, Robert Shapard (b. circa 1732 – d. 1796) of Goochland County, Virginia, had two children (Samuel Shepard and William Blackwell Shepard) that fought in the Revolutionary War. Samuel Shepard (b. June 3, 1762 – d. December 1846) enlisted on January 16, 1778, as a private in the Continental Army of Goochland County, Virginia, under Capt. Nathaniel Morris and served for one year, taking part in the Battle of Monmouth. Between 1779 and 1781, Samuel Shepard was

drafted back into service as a militiaman five times, serving tours of duty from one month up to three months in duration. As the war came to a close, Samuel was guarding British prisoners at Yorktown, when General Cornwallis surrendered. Robert’s other son, William B. Shepard (b. circa 1760 – d. 1778) enlisted with him in the Continental service at the Goochland County Courthouse in 1778; however, William died later that year while in the army. 

 

 

William Shapard’s brother, John Shapard (b. circa 1738 – d. 1806) of Granville County, North Carolina had at least two sons (George and Peter) that fought in the Revolutionary War. In August of 1779, George and Peter Shepard were assigned to Mr. Richard Henderson of Granville County, North Carolina, to survey the boundary lines between Virginia (including the District of Kentucky) and North Carolina (including the future lands of Tennessee). Due to the high risk of Indian encounters, a 25 man military escort accompanied the surveyors for the duration of their journey. By February of 1780, the party was weathering the cold winter hunting buffalo and turkey at a fort known as Logan’s Station, near the present day town of Stanford, Kentucky. On February 12, 1780, George and Peter enlisted in the Continental Army as privates in Captain John Bailey’s Company under General George Roger Clark’s Virginia Regiment. Interestingly, General Clark was the brother of William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition. After the war, the State of Virginia granted 150,000 acres of land in Indiana as a reward to the men of General Clark’s Regiment for outstanding service. In 1784, the land was allotted to the individuals and George and Peter received 108 acres each as privates. George resided in Lexington, Kentucky for ten years after

the war and then lived out the remainder of his life in Mason County, Kentucky, dying on May 26, 1836. In 1804, Peter sold his interests in his land bounties in Indiana and appears to have resided in Georgia for the remainder of his life, dying in Fayette County on March 13, 1825.

                One of the greatest consequences of war and rebellion was the breakdown of social order. Although Cumberland County was spared the physical destruction of being in the theater of the war, it fully suffered the societal strain of immorality, lawlessness and depravity, which increased during the war and for a few years after. Cumberland County experienced a tremendous rise in whiskey production and consumption, exacerbated by a diminished church attendance. Schools, apprenticeships and education fell by the wayside due to inflation and lack of attendance. The Court Order Books of Cumberland County from this time period record the widespread moral ebb affecting the area.

One such example of lawlessness occurred on the night of September 13, 1780, when a slave named “Ham,” who was owned by William Shapard’s neighbor, Henry Wright, trespassed onto Mr. Shapard’s land and began rummaging through his outbuildings. Ham eventually located Mr. Shapard’s tanning vat, where animal skins were treated to produce leather, and stole four sides (half of a cow skin) and one full skin, equaling a value of 40 shillings. Over the following days, the thief was tracked to Mr. Wright’s plantation where the stolen skins were located and the slave was arrested by the sheriff. On February 15, 1781, Ham was sent to trial at a Court of Oyer and Terminer at the Cumberland County Courthouse. He was judged and found guilty of stealing and was sentenced to “be burned in the hand.” His punishment was administered publically in court, whereupon he was then released back to his master.     

 

               As the war efforts intensified, Mr. Shapard saw more and more Continental soldiers and State Militia troops passing through Cumberland County along the Randolph and Guinea roads which passed through his property. Fitting with his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Shapard seized upon this opportunity, and, beginning in May of 1779 until May of 1781, he was granted a license to keep an “ordinary” at his home. The term “ordinary” was an early word meaning “tavern;” offering a tired traveler food, drink and a place to rest his horses. During the war, the county regulated ordinaries through licensure to ensure that drunkenness was controlled, as well as, setting a standardized fee for food, drink and services to prevent price gouging due to inflation. In 1780, the regulated fees for ordinaries were: West India Rum & Brandy - $8 per gill; Whiskey - $5 per gill; dinner or breakfast - $10; a diet for servants - $6; Stable or pasture for horses - $1 (for 24 hours); oats or corn (dry measure) - $5 per gallon; clean bed for night lodging - $4. 

From the above mentioned list of fees, it is evident how much the war had inflated the value of the early U.S. dollar. At the onset of the war, the Continental Congress issued paper currency called “Continentals,” which funded the war, and could be redeemed after the war for its value in gold or silver, providing that the United States prevailed. The value of the “Continental” was based on the Spanish milled “dollar,” which is where we got our name for the dollar. However, in an effort to destabilize the economy of the states, the British printed and distributed thousands of counterfeit “Continentals.” This tactic of economic warfare effectively ruined the value of the early American dollar, and by 1780, deemed it practically worthless in the payments of debt. A legislative petition was proposed on November 10, 1780, in Cumberland County, and signed by William Shapard, among others, requesting that all debts be paid with non-paper money (gold, silver, tobacco, etc.) and debts were to have the value of tobacco at the time the debts were accrued. Interestingly, due to the debacle over the early American “Continental” dollar, no further paper money was issued by the United States Congress for over eighty years.

                In early January of 1781, American traitor and British Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, and his army of 1,600 “green-coat” Loyalist troops, sailed up the James River to invade Richmond, Virginia.  This was a significant military target as it was the capital of the state. The British easily overran the lightly guarded fortifications and then looted and burned the city. The smoke could be seen for miles. Thomas Jefferson, who was at that time the Governor of Virginia, had narrowly escaped Richmond before the invasion, and sent out a call to rally the Virginia militia against the British. The call was answered by only 200 militiamen; however, they pursued General Arnold and engaged in numerous surprise attacks which inflicted heavy casualties on the British while they advanced to Chesterfield and Portsmouth, Virginia.

What occurred thereafter was a great surge in the war effort in Cumberland County. The Shapard family lived about 50 miles from Richmond, yet, fully witnessed the influx of militia and Continental soldiers arriving to fortify and defend the surrounding country against the British. To supply these soldiers, provisions from local residents were often commandeered, whereupon, the local resident was given a receipt for the value of the goods reimbursable at specific assemblies of the County Court. The Shapard plantation, along the Randolph and Guinea roads, became a natural resting and gathering site, due to the establishment “Shapard’s Ordinary.” Throughout the war, the plantation was frequented by soldiery from various states seeking provisions while en route to battle.  

The Public Service Claims of Virginia offer us a glimpse of what soldiery the Shapard family encountered during the Revolutionary War: On February 28, 1781, a Continental unit from Pennsylvania stopped at the Shapard plantation and Mr. John Stewart, W.C., commandeered two bushels of corn to feed their teams of horses. On March 6, 1781, General Lawson’s Brigade

(General Robert Lawson) of the Continental Army passed through Cumberland County resting at the Shapard Plantation, whereupon, Quarter Master, Stephen Cook commandeered a bushel of corn from the Shapard plantation for army use. Interestingly, in October of that same year, Lawson’s Brigade would take part in the famous Battle of Yorktown, during which General Cornwallis surrendered. On March 29, 1781, Henry Skipwith, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary commandeered eight and a-half bushels of wheat from the Shapard plantation for use of the State Militia. In addition, Mr. Shapard utilized his wagons and the assistance of his slaves to transport and unload the wheat at Skipwith’s Mill for processing into flour. On June 1, 1781, Captain Lee’s Troop, belonging to General Lawson’s Brigade of the Continental Army, rested at the Shapard plantation, whereby, the Quarter Master, Samuel Luck, commandeered four bushels of corn and oats to feed their horses. 

At this point in the war, British General Charles Cornwallis had advanced through South Carolina and North Carolina and entered Virginia. He and his 7,000 soldiers had settled in Yorktown, Virginia in August of 1781, in order to secure a port for British operations. Over the next few weeks, the town was heavily fortified by the British. American General George Washington, Commander of the Continental Army, seeing an opportunity, immediately consulted with his French allies and resolved to descend their army and navy upon Yorktown to ensnare the British. Throughout the month of September Continental and militia troops were migrating to Yorktown.

Meanwhile, after General Cornwallis moved north to Yorktown, General Nathanael Greene, whom George Washington had placed in command of the Southern Campaign, marched his army back to South Carolina in an effort to regain control of the states south of Virginia. On September 8, 1781, General Greene engaged British Colonel Alexander Stewart at the Battle of Eutaw Springs. The engagement was one of the bloodiest of the Revolutionary War and the last major battle in the South. The British withdrew to the coast at Charleston, resulting in General Greene’s Continental Army regaining control of the southern inland. It was a huge win for the Patriots, and later hailed as just as

important of a victory as what occurred at Yorktown. During the month of September, many Continental soldiers and militiamen were sent to assist General Greene in his efforts to successfully regaining control of this region. The records show that many of these soldiers passed through Cumberland County on their way to aid General Greene, and many were given supplies from the Shapard plantation while en route.      

On September 18, 1781, Ben Wilson, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary, commandeered two cows from the Shapard plantation to supply meat for the soldiers. On September 20, 1781, the First and Second Regiments from Maryland camped for a night at the Shapard plantation, after which Major John Eccleston issued Mr. Shapard reimbursement for pasturing fourteen of their horses. Earlier that year in March, the First and Second Maryland Regiments had engaged British General Cornwallis at the Battle of Guilford’s Court House in North Carolina. Although they had lost the battle, the British had sustained significant losses, which long term proved to be a tactical victory for the Americans. No doubt, Mr. Shapard would have heard the details of this engagement from the mouths of the soldiers themselves. After resting overnight at the Shapard Plantation, the First and Second Maryland Regiments packed up their camp and ventured beyond Cumberland County to assist General Greene and the Southern Continental Army.  On September 29, 1781, Miller Woodson, A.D.C.P., from General Greene’s Continental Army secured Mr. Shapard’s services to gather, smoke and transport 800 pounds of bacon from Cumberland County to Prince Edward County. Mr. Shapard complied with the request and used his wagons and slaves to deliver the bacon to their encampment in Prince Edward County, a distance of about 7 miles.

On September 28, 1781, about 7,800 French soldiers, 8,800 Continental soldiers and 3,100 militia had successfully encircled General Cornwallis and his army and blocked the port of Yorktown from receiving additional British reinforcements. For the next three weeks, the British were pounded by canon and rifle fire, while slowly losing ground. On October 19, 1781, British General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, to General George Washington. This was a devastating military and morale blow to the British and a tremendous victory for the Patriots. Despite this triumph over the British, the Revolutionary War continued for an additional two years after General Cornwallis’ surrender. 

In October of 1781, word quickly spread across Virginia of the Continental’s great victory over British at Yorktown. No doubt, the Shapard family would have been caught up in the excitement of the day as the affairs of government were the main topic of conversation. Nearly the same time as General Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, William’s mother, Mildred, surrendered her spirit up to heaven. For the Shapard family, the elation of an American victory was quickly abated by the word of the death of their mother from King and Queen County in October or November of 1781. Tragically, William’s eldest brother, Samuel Shapard of Henrico County, Virginia, also died in October or early November of that same year.

As the war carried on, the Shapard plantation continued to be frequented by a vast array of soldiers passing through the county. On November 7, 1781, General Steven’s Brigade of the Continental Army camped at the Shapard plantation. Thomas Davenport, S.M.V.M, issued Mr. Shapard a receipt for supplying provisions for 17 men, forage for a horse and lodging of three soldiers in his house. General Edward Stevens was a talented officer and a future Senator for the State of Virginia. His brigade saw action at the Battle of Guilford’s Court House where he had ordered his own marksmen to shoot any of his men that attempted to retreat. Later, he commanded his brigade of 750 soldiers at the Siege of Yorktown. The Shapard family would have heard amazing stories from the soldiers whom they lodged in their home.

On November 18, 1781, a detachment of Colonel Lee’s Legion of the Continental Army halted at the Shapard plantation, upon which Mr. George Guthrey [Guthrie], D.P.L., commandeered 82 bushels of fodder and temporarily stabled seven heifers in the Shapard’s barn. Col. Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee was a future Governor of Virginia and the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Colonel Lee’s Legion, comprised of approximately 100 cavalry and 180 infantry, was assigned to assist General Greene in the Southern theater of the war. Lee’s Legion was highly regarded as one of the best clothed and well-equipped units of the Continental Army. They had engaged the British at the battles of Guilford Court House, Eutaw Springs and Yorktown. 

 On December 7, 1781, Ben Wilson, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary, called upon Mr. Shapard and commandeered twenty-nine bushels of wheat to feed the Militia.

The last entry of service claims issued to William Shapard, during the war, was dated February 21, 1783; whereby, Lieutenant Jonah Hallet of the Fourth Regiment Light Dragoons of the Continental Army commandeered from the Shapard plantation one and a-half bushels of corn and 92 pounds of fodder to feed their horses while they rested. The Fourth Regiment was organized in Pennsylvania in 1777. They had spent the harsh winter at Valley Forge camped with the Continental Army and had engaged the enemy at Guildford Court House and Yorktown. In January of 1782, The Light Dragoons were sent to Savannah, Georgia, to break the British stronghold of that city. There they endured extreme combat with the British and their Indian allies; the most notable battle occurred on June 23, 1782 when three hundred Creek Indian warriors unsuccessfully attempted a surprise attack on the Fourth Regiment. After regaining control of Savannah, the Fourth Regiment was reassigned to Charleston, South Carolina, to assist General Greene. Charleston was finally liberated from the British on December 14, 1782, after which, the Fourth Regiment Light Dragoons began their march back north, resting at the Shapard plantation in Cumberland County, Virginia, before reaching Pennsylvania in May of 1783. Only a few months later, on September 3, 1783, representatives of the United States of America met with representatives of King George III and signed of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized America as an independent nation from Brittan, gave all lands east of the Mississippi River to the Americans, and officially concluded the Revolutionary War.